Abang Johari speaks to reporters at the end of the DUN session. Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg gave details of his children in the State Legislative Assembly today after his integrity was called into question by an Opposition rep.
“As a responsible parent I have given education to my children and let them pursue their professional careers and it is therefore, regrettable that the Honourable Member for Pending has resorted to character assassination on me and members of my family to gain political mileage,” he said, referring to Violet Yong from DAP.
Yong had mentioned Abang Johari’s son, Abang Abdillah Izzarim, in her debate on the 2020 State Budget last week. Although her comments about him have been expunged from the august House, the remarks have spread on social media.
Abang Johari told the sitting that Abdillah had received education on technology from Alexander College in Perth, Western Australia and Aviation Institute of Australia, Jandakot, Perth and a holder of the Australian Pilot Licence.
He said his son then launched his start-up Aizo Digital Works in Cyberjaya as a developer of multi-layered online games and animation, and also providing design and programming internship to students of the Multimedia University.
“In February 2016, before I became deputy chief minister and chief minister, he was requested by his lawyer friend who is the owner of Borneo Sea Offshore to be an independent director in his firm. Abdillah owns no share and has no fiduciary interest in the company. He retired as an independent director in June 2018.
“Indeed, it is malicious and vexatious on the part of the Honourable Member for Pending to have created a negative perception of Abdillah who is not here to defend himself,” said Abang Johari.
On his daughter, Norjehan, he said she graduated 15 years ago with a Bachelor of e-Commerce (Honours) from Curtin University, Perth, Australia. He added that she used to work for Sarawak Energy and is now working with a private firm in apps technology.
“My record as state legislative assembly member for 38 years or since 1981 and 34 years since 1984 as member of the state cabinet, is witness of my integrity and that of my family members. I fear no one, but I fear God,” he said.