By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Feb 15: The proposed amendment to change the Chief Minister’s designation to ‘Premier’ has been passed in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah had tabled the Constitution of the State of Sarawak (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
It was passed after 67 members of the august House voted in favour of the Bill, while six had opposed it after a second round of voting by show of hands before Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar.
Earlier today, Karim said the Bill was tabled in accordance to the Constitution (Amendment) Act 2022 [Act A1642] which came into force on Feb 11 after the recent amendments to the Federal Constitution to restore the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He added that the special status of Sarawak needs to be reflected in the manner different from other States in the Federation and therefore, the designation and style of Chief Minister needed to be re-styled as Premier.
Meanwhile, the term Assistant Minister will no longer be used following the passing of the Bill.
Instead, the current 26 assistant ministers will now be styled Deputy Ministers.
Abdul Karim said in view of the responsibilities that they hold and exercise, it is only appropriate that the designation be re-styled to better reflect their functions and responsibilities. — DayakDaily
