TYT’s appointment prerogative of King, says senior lawyer

Shankar (front, left left) sharing a light moment with Wan Junaidi (front, left) during the dinner on Jan 27, 2024.

KUCHING, Jan 28: The appointment of Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar as the Sarawak Governor (TYT) by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) is in the exercise of the latter’s prerogative and full discretion, opines senior lawyer Shankar Ram Asnani.

He highlighted that the appointment of Wan Junaidi who is a former officer, senior barrister at law, English trained and a senior member of the Sarawak Bar, to assume the role of Sarawak’s TYT is a delight.

“I can say that this appointment was received with great joy throughout Sarawak and people were very happy to hear a dedicated veteran minister with an unblemished record appointed as the head of State,” he said in a statement today.

Shankar who is also Sri Maha Mariamman Temple committee president, further said that he was invited by the newly appointed TYT and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi for dinner yesterday evening (Jan 27).

During the dinner, Shankar stated, Wan Junaidi shared with the present heads of the various religious bodies in Sarawak, his vision for a better Sarawak and her people, to strengthen unity among the diverse races in Sarawak and to promote progress, peace and harmony.

The guests also got to learn the details of Wan Junaidi’s past contributions, among others, in building various chapels and temples throughout Sarawak and helping all the races and religious bodies or non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

“I must admit that almost all of us there were taken by surprise by this dinner invitation and when Tun Wan Junaidi arrived with his lovely wife Toh Puan, His Excellency explained that his first task was wanting to see us, the heads of the various religious bodies, to forge understanding.

“In simple, Tun wants feedback from all the heads of religious bodies in Sarawak and to help us in our respective journey.

“We were all impressed by Tun’s concerns for all of us and had the opportunity to glimpse into Tun’s vision for Sarawak. Tun emphasised that all the necessary help would be rendered to all the races and religious bodies to ensure equality in Sarawak,” Shankar said, adding that Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) director Datu Jack Aman was also present.

Shankar also sang the praises of Toh Puan who showed her dedication and support for Wan Junaidi’s new role and vision.

“We are confident she will make a good Governess. Both Tun and Toh Puan displayed great humility and we were able to share our views frankly.

“We must thank the Sarawak Government and His Majesty the King of Malaysia for the appointment of our new Governor,” he said. — DayakDaily