KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg described the conferment of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star by Emperor Naruhito as a historic recognition of the partnership between Sarawak and Japan, which he has spearheaded for over 30 years.

According to him, the prestigious award reflects contributions formally recorded by the Government of Japan, including his success in bringing in Toko Electronics (Sarawak) Sdn. Bhd. and Taiyo Yuden (Sarawak) Sdn. Bhd to Samajaya during his tenure as Minister of Industrial Development.

Japan’s records, he noted, also highlighted his early role in initiating trade and diplomatic ties through the Malaysia–Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) and the Japan–Malaysia Economic Association (JAMECA), in addition to supporting reforestation efforts between the Sarawak and Japanese governments.

“It was only then that I realised it has been over 30 years. If I were not the Sarawak Premier today, I don't think I would have received the award.

“My most recent contribution, with possibly more to come in Japan, is driving hydrogen collaboration with Mitsubishi and Sumitomo as part of new initiatives between Japan and Malaysia.

“The Japanese side explained to me that these were contributions I had made, some of which I had even forgotten, but they had all been recorded,” he said.

He said this during a dialogue session at the Leadership Soiree Dinner in conjunction with the Sarawak Woman of Tomorrow 2025 event at a leading hotel here on Tuesday.

The Sarawak Premier added that he initially wondered about the reason behind the conferment, as such prestigious honours are typically awarded to national-level leaders.

However, he said the Japanese Government emphasised that his long record of contributions spanning more than three decades formed the primary basis for the award. -UKASnews

Reporter: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Translator: Ryan Lim
Photographer: Ameerul Syafiq