No discussion yet on Mutang replacement

KUCHING: The appointment of the next Senate President has yet to be discussed as the nation is still mourning the loss of the incumbent Datuk Mutang Tagal.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said a decision on the appointment is for the King to make after consulting the Prime Minister.

“Thus far, we have not discussed the matter, let us respect the late Mutang,” he said during a press conference after chairing Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Supreme Council meeting here today.

Abang Johari revealed that he had the opportunity to see Mutang on Wednesday.

“At that time, his condition was quite critical but there was still a possibility that he could be saved and that his condition would improve.

“However, on Thursday, his condition became unstable, hence, his major surgery could not be done. 

“With his passing, we have indeed lost a great and fair leader. And for us in Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), we have lost a great friend,” he said.

 Abang Johari recalled that the GPS leadership had proposed that Mutang be the Senate President to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“I told Anwar that despite the fact that he only served two terms as an MP, his commitment to help us in the PBB, GPS, as well as the Lun Bawang and Orang Ulu community has always been there.

“He was a good and fair leader to all of the communities and his election was due to the whole society in Malaysia having the confidence in him to be the Senate President,” he said.

Mutang passed away on Friday (May 10) at 11.46 am at the age of 70.

He had been undergoing treatment at the national heart institute after falling ill during a working trip to Azerbaijan on May 6.

He was elected  MP for Bukit Mas at the age of 27 in 1982 and continued to serve in this position until 1990.

On Feb 19 this year, he was elected as the Senate President, taking up the position after the resignation of Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar who went on to become Sarawak Governor.