Abang Johari Openg's appointment as the new Sarawak Chief Minister does not confer privilege to him, but instead it imposes great responsibility on him, which must be discharged in a trustworthy manner, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

While congratulating Abang Johari for the appointment, the deputy prime minister said this was because the people of Sarawak were looking forward to seeing the promises and pledges made by the BN during previous elections get interpreted into reality.

"I will help Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Amar in interpreting the pledges, which are endorsed by the state government, into reality, and I will also help the prime minister to monitor the fulfillment of the pledges."

Zahid said this to the Malaysian media here before attending a meeting with Acting Governor of Yunnan Province, Ruan Chengfa, at the Haigen Garden in Kunming, China, today.

Several other state and federal ministers said that being equipped with vast experience and values such as deep commitment, Abang Johari would will be able to bring about much progress to the people and to Sarawak.

The ministers said this in their congratulatory messages to Abang Johari, 66, on his appointment as Sarawak's sixth chief minister, replacing Adenan Satem, who passed away on Wednesday.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak, in a statement, said Abang Johari is a capable leader who displayed competent and impressive performances in the various ministries he has led.

"I have personally known him for a long time and am very impressed with his attitude and calm character, as well as discretion in handling the various challenging situations that characterised the social and political landscape of Sarawak," Salleh said.

Abang Johari is no ordinary political leader, given that for over 30 years, he has been a senior member of the administration team under Abdul Taib Mahmud and the late Adenan.

Salleh is confident that with Abang Johari's vast experience and matured leadership, Sarawak would continue to enjoy political stability to ensure its economic progress remained bright - a legacy of the late Adenan.

Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein (photo), via his Twitter account, expressed confidence that Abang Johari would continue the legacy of the late Adenan, or Tok Nan, in ensuring the prosperity and well-being of the people of Sarawak.

"Congratulations Datuk Amar Abang Johari for being appointed as Sarawak's sixth CM! May the legacy of Tok Nan to bring prosperity and well-being of the people in the Land of the Hornbills (Bumi Kenyalang) continues!" Hishammuddin said.

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin tweeted: "Abang Jo has big shoes to fill but he is an experienced, capable, decent & proven leader."

Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sarawak president Joseph Salang Gandum said the new chief minister should continue the work of his predecesor, adding that there were many business opportunities for Dayak businessmen yet to be explored.

'The best choice'

PRS president James Jemut Masingsaid the appointment of Abang Johari was "very wise" and that he was "the best choice" to replace Adenan.

"He can understand and feel the push and pull of the various ethnic groups, the many religious groups," said Masing, who is deputy chief minister.

Masing added that Abang Johari could count on PRS to give him its full and undivided support to lead.

SUPP president Sim Khui Hian was confident that Abang Johari would be a chief minister for all races.

Deputy Chief Minister and PBB senior vice-president Douglas Uggah Embas (photo) said Abang Johari was very patient, hardworking and dedicated in helping people of all racial and religious groups.

"I am very confident he will steer Sarawak to greater heights with his vast exprience and knowledge," he said.

Sarawak Youth, Sports and Solidarity Minister said the Bidayuh community would give the new chief minister their full and undivided support.

"He has had enough grooming... it is just a matter of giving him the authority to execute his ideas. I believe he will be accepted by all BN component parties and the people of Sarawak and Kuala Lumpur," Manyin said.

PBB deputy publicity chief Peter Minos said: "He fully deserves the honour. He is a very hard working minister. He gets things done."

In a statement, Transport Minister and MCA president Liow Tiong Lai said with his experience and leadership qualities, Abang Johari was more than qualified to continue the important work started by Adenan in guiding Sarawak forward as a multicultural, united and moderate state.

Health Minister and MIC president Dr S Subramaniam, in his statement, hoped the new Sarawak leadership would continue the policies currently in place so that the state's administration remained efficient and progressive.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister and Upko president Madius Tangau said Abang Johari brought considerable experience to his new role and the right passion to continue the good progress made under the leadership of the late Adenan.

- Bernama