00:00A quiet leadership contest is reportedly brewing in Sarawak, with factions aligned with Premier Abang Johari Openg and his deputy Awang Tengah Ali Hassan preparing for a potential power struggle.
00:13A source told FMT that succession issues could lead to intense political maneuvering ahead of the 2026 state election.
00:21They said Abang Johari, a blue blood in Sarawak politics and son of the state's first governor, Abang Openg Sapii, has strong support from rural voters, Parti Pusaka Bumi Pucha Bursatu delegates, and the state's civil service.
00:35The source added that his aggressive push for infrastructure, digital economy initiatives, and revenue autonomy has benefited civil servants through job security and increased project budgets.
00:46Meanwhile, Awang Tengah is seen as a charismatic and efficient administrator with grassroots support who sorts out issues quickly, the source said.
00:56While both leaders have their supporters, the source said that at the moment, Abang Johari holds an advantage.
01:03Despite signs of internal positioning, PBB Information Chief Abukarim Rahman Hamza denied any leadership struggle, saying the top two leaders are not in competition and remain close.
