Abang Haji Openg

Abang Openg bin Abang Sapiee (; 7 October 1905 – 28 March 1969) was a Malaysian politician who served as the first Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak from September 1963 to his death in March 1969. He assumed the newly established post following Sarawak's independence from Great Britain and the formation of Malaysia in 1963. He was one of two candidates proposed by Tunku Abdul Rahman, after being recommended by the Malay National Union. He is the father to Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Abang Openg, the current Premier of Sarawak.

Early life and education Abang Openg was born on 7 October 1905 in Kampung Bandarsah, Kuching, Sarawak, during the White Rajahs of Brooke dynasty's rule. He came from a Malay family with historical involvement in local leadership. His ancestry includes Datu Patinggi Ali and Datu Patinggi Abdul Ghafur, who held leadership positions during the Brooke administration in Sarawak.

Growing up in an era when educational opportunities for Bumiputeras were scarce, Abang Openg faced the challenge of limited formal schooling. Despite these obstacles, he attended the Government Malay School in Kuching.

Early career At the age of 19, in 1924, Abang Openg started his career in public service as a government clerk. He was later transferred to the Office of Native Affairs, a department responsible for the administration and welfare of indigenous communities. Abang Openg and several other Brooke officials opposed the decision.

Foreign honour

Namesakes Several places were named after Abang Openg, including:

Tun Abang Haji Openg Digital Centre (TAHODC) in UNIMAS Samarahan, the main centre for information and communication technology (ICT) in the university SMK Tun Abang Haji Openg, a secondary school in Kuching Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg in Kuching Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg in Sibu Jalan Tun Openg in Tanjung Kidurong, Bintulu Jalan Abang Haji Openg in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur