Abang Jo gives Sarawak Malay a boost with two phrases

 

Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg uses common Malay phrases to get closer to the people and ensure his message is understood easily. (Bernama pic)

KUCHING: Two Sarawak Malay phrases have been making the rounds on social media over the past month or so following their regular use by Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg at events he attends.

One of the phrases is “sik berasa”, which loosely translates into English as “didn’t feel it”, while the other is “ketek ajak”, which means “just click”.

Abang Johari had used these phrases when he talked about how time passes so fast.

At a recent event, he said: “Baruk ari marek ari Jemat, ari tok dah Jemat agik dah … sik berasa (It is just like yesterday was Friday and today it’s Friday again … didn’t feel it).”

The phrase “sik berasa” has gone viral on social media as Abang Johari kept using the phrase in off-the-cuff speeches at subsequent events.

This led other Sarawak leaders to repeat the phrase. Memes and WhatsApp stickers are being created using these phrases.

Although the phrases are often played up in a satirical context, Abang Johari has accepted it in good spirit.

At another recent event in Kuching, he said: “Ada orang nak viralkan saya makei sik berasa, pakailah sik berasa. Bagus juak (Some people want to viral ‘sik berasa’ that I uttered on social media; go ahead and use it. It’s good anyway.”

“Sik berasa” and “ketek ajak” are a kind of political phenomenon in Sarawak now, said political communication expert Jeniri Amir.

“He explains to the people the state government’s aspirations and policies in simple language, in Sarawak Malay, and off the cuff. That is how the two phrases became popular,” he said.

The use of common Sarawak Malay terms had endeared Abang Johari to the people, enhancing his image and reputation, said Jeniri.

He said Abang Johari had continued to travel across the length and breadth of Sarawak to ensure election pledges were fulfilled, after the massive victory of Gabungan Parti Sarawak in the state elections in December.

“‘Ketek ajak’ also carries a message of his intention to drive Sarawak’s development through the digital economy that he has been promoting so much since taking over the leadership of the state,” Jeniri said. - FMT