Premier: Emperor of Japan personally acknowledges Sarawak’s renewable energy leadership

KUCHING (Nov 15): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has expressed his deep appreciation after a rare moment of personal acknowledgement from the Emperor of Japan, who recognised Sarawak’s contributions to renewable energy and environmental stewardship.

Abang Johari, who was recently conferred The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star by the Japanese government, described the encounter as highly unusual, noting that direct interaction with the Emperor is extremely rare under Japan’s strict imperial protocol.

“We are on the front line in producing hydrogen, even among developed countries, and this is one of the reasons why Japan recognised me—because Japan also recognises that Sarawak is at the forefront of the new energy sector in the world.

“In Japanese culture, people cannot speak to their Emperor. You must respect and remain silent. This time, I was surprised—and the palace officials were also surprised. The Emperor was on the dais, and after his speech, he came down and went straight to meet me. Perhaps because my attire was different from the Japanese, he said to me, ‘I know Malaysia, and I know a bit about your state.’ I was shocked. The Emperor of Japan actually knows about Sarawak,” he told guests during his keynote address at the Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) 37th Triennial General Assembly (TGA) welcoming dinner at a hotel here last night.

Abang Johari said the acknowledgement reflected Sarawak’s achievements in forest rehabilitation, renewable energy, and its broader efforts to contribute to global energy solutions.

“Sarawak can now adapt to the changing environment, even on the international stage, and we must be proud of what we have accomplished,” he added.

He highlighted Sarawak’s hydrogen economy, which uses abundant water resources to produce clean energy, and noted the potential of fusion energy for sustainable energy production.

“This is the time for Sarawak to show that we can contribute to solving global issues, not just within national boundaries,” he said.

Abang Johari also drew parallels between energy “fusion” and Sarawak’s societal unity.

“We fuse together as Sarawakians, irrespective of our background, social status, and religious faith, to protect Sarawak and its people. This spirit of unity enables us to govern and develop the state according to our own approach,” he said.

Abang Johari outlined efforts to modernise agriculture, citing mechanised paddy cultivation techniques that allow one hectare to be planted in 50 minutes, with yields up to eight metric tons.

He also stressed the importance of education in eradicating poverty, noting that the state now provides free tertiary education for all Sarawakian students at local universities.

Reaffirming Sarawak’s financial and infrastructural autonomy, Abang Johari highlighted the state’s reclamation of key assets, including Bakun Dam, Bintulu port, and major banks, which strengthen its capacity to implement development initiatives independently.

He then urged SDNU and Sarawakians to think outside the box and embrace innovation to ensure continued social, economic, and environmental progress.

“With that, we move forward together, like fusion energy, for the sake of all Sarawakians,” he said.