Awang Tengah identified as likely successor to Sarawak premier

Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, the deputy premier of Sarawak, is identified by political analysts as a likely successor to Abang Johari Openg for the position of Sarawak premier. This follows hints from Johari that he may not serve as premier after the next state election.

Political analyst Jayum Jawan noted that Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) tradition typically sees the deputy president of the party’s dominant Bumiputera wing ascend to the presidency and eventually the state leadership. As the current deputy president of that wing, Awang Tengah is positioned as a natural candidate under these established norms.

Other analysts suggest that while several names have been discussed, any successor will likely be Muslim and must maintain a strong pro-Sarawak sentiment to meet unwritten political criteria in the state.