PBK president wants Sarawak governor’s appointment to go through DUN

Voon Lee Shan

KUCHING, Jan 22: Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan opines that the appointment of the Sarawak Governor (TYT) should go through the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) to uphold democracy.

While the Constitution of the State of Sarawak did not provide for such procedure to take place, Voon said the appointment should not by-pass the democratic norms which allow the names of candidates for the position to be submitted or nominated by members of the august House.

“The matter will then have to be discussed or debated and votes taken in the legislature.

“This process is important to maintain democracy and trust given by the voters and people of Sarawak to their elected assemblymen and government,” he said in a statement today.

Under the Sarawak Constitution, Article 1(1) states that a Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri (TYT) shall be appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong after consultation with the Chief Minister (Premier).

Every governor is appointed for a term of four years but the King reserves the power to extend his term of appointment.

At the same time, Voon demanded Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to make an explanation on the appointment of the Sarawak overnor.

“It is not sure whether (the incumbent governor) Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud had chosen to resign as there is no news or response from the Governor himself.

“The people of Sarawak have a right to know and the Premier of Sarawak owes an explanation to Sarawakians,” he added.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim disclosed that the appointment of the Sarawak Governor will be announced within these two days.

He said the candidate was proposed by Abang Johari and he (Anwar) has submitted the name to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong last week, and the name has been approved.

On Jan 19, Tan Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar who is the Dewan Negara president was reported to have submitted his resignation, amid rumours that he would assume the role of the eighth Sarawak Governor, succeeding Taib.

However, Abang Johari last Saturday (Jan 20) refused to comment on the speculation, stating that this matter is under the purview of Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Taib has served as the seventh Sarawak Governor since March 2014, following his resignation as the Sarawak Chief Minister after a tenure of almost 33 years.

The term for a Sarawak Governor lasts for four years, and in 2022, Taib’s tenure was extended for an additional two years and is set to expire at the end of February this year. — DayakDaily