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KUCHING, Aug 16: Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar will be appointed as the acting Sarawak Head of State tomorrow.
This is in accordance to the Sarawak Constitution, where in the absence of the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, the Speaker of DUN is designated to act as the interim representative.
Asfia is expected to be sworn-in as the acting Head of State tomorrow, instead of Friday as initially scheduled.
This measure is essential as Taib is reportedly still recuperating in Turkey following a surgical procedure.
With an uncertain timeline for his return, the appointment of an acting Head of State becomes imperative as numerous significant commemorations and official events necessitating the Head of State’s presence are scheduled to be held throughout Sarawak.
Apart from observing the 60th Sarawak Independence celebration marked by an array of activities, Sarawak is poised to host the National-level Malaysia Day celebration on Sept 16, an event of national importance, set to take place at the Indoor Stadium.
Additionally, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah is anticipated to embark on a journey along the Pan Borneo Highway in early September.
The royal tour is reported to take about two weeks and would culminate with the Malaysia Day celebrations.
Meanwhile, Taib and wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib have been overseas since last month.
On Aug 1, the Sarawak government issued a statement disclosing that Taib fell ill while travelling overseas but has been in the process of recuperation.
Following various speculations surrounding his health, Astana Negeri Sarawak released a statement on Aug 3, reassuring Sarawakians about Taib’s improving health.
Private secretary to the Governor of Sarawak Junih Salleh Ahmad also affirmed that Taib will return to Sarawak once his doctor permits him to do so. — DayakDaily
