He said he had no doubt that Abang Johari shared a common vision and mission with his predecessor, Adenan Satem who died on Jan 11.
Sarawakians could expect the state to progress well under Abang Johari, he said.
“I have high confidence that he will succeed as the new captain of Team Adenan, continuing his (the late AdenanSatem’s) legacy and struggle,” The Borneo Post quoted him as saying.
Awang Tengah, who was introduced to politics by Abang Johari, was speaking at a ‘Meet-the-People’ session and Chinese New Year gathering at the Limbang Civic Centre on Monday night.
He said the people of Limbang and Lawas were touched that Abang Johari had returned to his birthplace, Limbang, to kick off his official statewide ‘Meet-the-People’ sessions.
Saying he had pushed for the appointmet of Abang Johari as chief minister, Awang Tengah added this was because Abang Johari had a proven track record in leadership and was a man of action.
“I can tell you that when he (Abang Johari) was just an assistant minister, he was practically managing the whole ministry, and he diligently visited every nook and corner of the state,” The Borneo Post quoted him as saying.
Abang Johari was assistant minister of agriculture in the 80s.
Awang Tengah said he and Abang Johari had grown up together in the same village and had served together in the administrations of current Head of State Abdul Taib Mahmud and Adenan.
“Three months before Tok Nan passed away, the Head of State was already thinking of the need for a contingency plan if the unexpected happened. I told him: ‘You must appoint Abang Johari. You have the power to appoint’,” Awang Tengah said.
Awang Tengah made a similar stand when PBB senior leaders met Taib to appoint Adenan’s successor, according to The Borneo Post.
Awang Tengah said Abang Johari had brought him to work in his ministry and, later, was involved in his selection as a Barisan Nasional candidate for Lawas in 1987.
A year after being elected, he was appointed assistant minister and Awang Tengah believes Abang Johari was behind this.
“We must stand united behind Abang Johari and give him our full support,” The Borneo Post quoted him as saying.