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Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg announced today that he has proposed a candidate from Sarawak to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the position of Dewan Negara president. This nomination is to fill the vacancy left by the late Datuk Mutang Tagal. The premier stated that the prime minister would announce the chosen candidate in due course.
"You will have to wait for the official announcement. I am also awaiting it," Abang Johari told reporters after inaugurating a two-day Iban cultural symposium and exposition.
He emphasized that the new senate president will undoubtedly be from Sarawak. Mutang, who was 70 years old, was appointed as a senator and subsequently as Dewan Negara president on February 15 this year. Tragically, he passed away three months later, on May 10, due to heart complications at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur.
Abang Johari also shared that he held discussions with Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) members of Parliament and senators in Kuala Lumpur the previous night. They talked about several issues concerning the state's rights that may be raised in Parliament. One of the key topics discussed was a Bill to amend the Port Authorities Act, which is anticipated to be tabled in the current parliamentary session.
The proposed Bill aims to reclassify Bintulu Port from a federal port to one under Sarawak's jurisdiction. This move is part of the state government's efforts to assert greater control over its resources and economic assets.
The discussion included prominent figures such as Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, various deputy ministers, Sarawak Attorney General Datuk Saferi Ali, and Deputy Sarawak Secretary Datuk Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel. This collaborative effort underscores the significance of the legislative changes being pursued and their potential impact on Sarawak's governance and autonomy.
With these ongoing discussions and legislative efforts, Sarawak is positioning itself for greater autonomy and control over its assets, reflecting the broader aspirations of its leadership and people. The forthcoming announcement by the prime minister regarding the Dewan Negara presidency will be a crucial development in this context.
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