Abdul Karim praises potential appointment of Wan Junaidi as TYT

KUCHING: Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has lauded the potential appointment of Tan Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar as the Sarawak Head of State (TYT), citing his distinguished career as a civil servant.

The Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development said Wan Junaidi’s extensive service and experience, spanning various high-level roles in the state and country, made him a suitable choice.

“He has served for a long time in various fields — as legislative member, in leadership roles, as an MP, a minister, and as a Speaker.

“So, the choice is accurate, and we would not feel ashamed and hesitant when a Sarawakian who has held such high positions (is appointed as Governor),” he told reporters after officiating at the ministry’s appreciation ceremony at Sheraton Hotel, here yesterday (Jan 25).

Abdul Karim, who is also Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, revealed that the appointment letter for the new TYT would be issued on Jan 27, with the oath-taking is scheduled for Jan 29.

Preferring to await official announcements, Abdul Karim refrained from elaborating further, acknowledging Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s submission of the candidate’s name to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for consideration earlier this week.

Anwar’s submission followed Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s endorsement.

The term of the incumbent TYT Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, is slated to end on Feb 28, marking a decade of service as the seventh Sarawak Head of State.