Ex-diplomat’s suggestion a good idea

KUCHING: Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Deputy Speaker Datuk Idris Buang described the proposal of Sarawak to have its own Foreign Ministry as a good idea.

He said the suggestion made by former Malaysian diplomat Syed Nizamuddin Khassim in a recent interview with New Sarawak Tribune, was indeed a good idea but approval from Putrajaya is the pivotal factor in determining the viability of this proposed idea. Idris, who is also the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) information chief, said that determining the set-up of the ministry falls within federal government authority.

“Probably with the ministry, Sarawak can bolster its economy through its Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) potentials and so on. “It will also reduce or even erase unnecessary red tapes in many aspects at the federal level,” he said when contacted by New Sarawak Tribune yesterday.

He asserted that the setting up of the ministry must be agreed upon by both state and federal government.

Earlier, Syed proposed that Sarawak establish its equivalent of a foreign ministry to handle its diplomatic relations, considering its increasing prominence in international politics. He pointed to Sarawak’s engagement in diplomatic endeavours through initiatives like Sarawak Energy, STATOS, and other agencies. Drawing on his diplomatic experience, he expressed confidence in Sarawak’s administrative, legal, and motivational capabilities to manage its foreign affairs, akin to subnational governments worldwide.