Former Sarawak People's Justice Party (PKR) member Voon Shiak Ni sparked heated debate when he suggested the name of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg as a candidate for the next Prime Minister.
According to him, Abang Johari's visionary leadership performance and consistent administrative record since taking over the reins of Sarawak in 2017 should be an eye-opener for federal leaders and the people of the country.
According to The Borneo Post, Voon described the assumption that there is no other figure worthy of replacing Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as is often touted as an inappropriate view and a reflection of intellectual laziness. In fact, he said, such an attitude only reinforces the culture of patronage that continues to stifle the country's leadership potential.
He also praised the technocratic and pragmatic approach brought by Abang Johari, who he said was more stable and not entangled in populist rhetoric like most leaders at the federal level.
The Gabungan Parti Sarawak administration under the leadership of Abang Johari is also seen to have succeeded in maintaining the state's stability and bringing a clear direction for development. His ability to balance the interests of the state and national harmony also highlights his authority as a leader of caliber.
Voon explained that the assessment of the country's leadership should be made based on merit and actual ability, not on geographical factors or political loyalty alone.
Figures like Abang Johari, he stressed, should be brought to the national stage as part of the effort to build a truly authoritative leadership for the future of Malaysia.
