KUCHING, Jan 19: The appointment of the new Head of State must bring demographic balance in Sarawak, in accordance with longstanding conventions, asserts social activist Peter John Jaban.
Addressing the widespread speculation surrounding the resignation of Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, purportedly to assume the role of the eighth Sarawak Governor, Peter John urges Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to recognise and uphold established conventions for ensuring a balanced representation of the population, including the role and function of the Governor.
“The Yang di-Pertua Negeri (TYT) holds an honorary yet highly significant position with specific functions in our democracy, such as overseeing the honours list and signed assent to all legislation.
“More importantly, the TYT serves as our ceremonial Head of State, representing the people of Sarawak in a capacity quite separate from our elected representatives. This figure should be a beacon for our society and an inspiration for our people, standing by our flag and saluted during our Sarawak anthem,” he said in a statement today.
Since the formation of Malaysia, Peter John pointed out that there has been a recognised convention that the candidate for Governor should bring demographic balance.
He traced this convention back to the time when Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first chief minister of the Federation of Malaya, advocated for Tun Abang Openg Abang Sapiee to assume the seat over Tun Datuk Patinggi Temenggung Jugah Barieng in light of the fact that a Dayak was the sitting Chief Minister.
“Tun Openg went on to become one of our most beloved TYTs and now his son (Abang Johari) holds the top elected office in the State.
“It seems that the context for this decision is now reversed. This is why I am calling on Premier to respect the convention and to send a message to the whole country about Sarawak’s fairness, unity and systems of representation,” he emphasised.
Peter John highlighted that there are many qualified candidates who have distinguished themselves in multiple fields such as Tan Sri Leo Moggie Irok, who has a long and distinguished career representing Sarawak at a national level.
“Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie brings with him a legal background and many years of dedicated service and Lieutenant General (R) Datuk Stephen Mundaw was ATM’s (Malaysian Armed Force) first Dayak Commander with an unblemished record.
“Any of these choices and many more possibilities besides would send the right message. The role of Governor should not be a golden handshake for a series of politicians. It must represent the ideals of the people of Sarawak,” he said.
Acknowledging that Wan Junaidi is a good man with a excellent record, Peter John emphasised that the Governor however, must stand for more than this.
Whoever is selected, he said that this appointment has important ramifications for the future of Sarawak and the perception of systems of representation.
“Sarawak has the opportunity to send a message about public service, about honour and also about equity and fairness to all its citizens.
“The office of TYT and the image of the State are indivisible. This decision stands not just for this next appointment, but also for the future of Sarawak,” he said.– DayakDaily
