KUCHING, Feb 20: Datuk Mutang Tagal’s appointment as Dewan Negara president is a reaffirmation of the strong and meaningful role that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) continues to have in the unity government, says Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala.
In a press statement today, the Mulu assemblyman said he had known Mutang since they were classmates in Form 6 in Tanjong Lobang in 1974.
He recalled helping Mutang with his nomination papers when he first stood as a candidate in the Bukit Mas constituency in the 1982 parliamentary election, which he won uncontested, as well as knowing his family, including his late brother Datuk Dr Judson Sakai Tagal, who has shown great potential as a political leader and deputy minister then.
“For our Dayak community and especially for our Orang Ulu, Datuk Mutang’s appointment is historic, being the first Dewan Rakyat president from the community.
“His appointment is a great honour for us as a recognition of the capabilities and talents of the community who can serve and contribute to nation-building at the highest level given the opportunity,” said Gerawat.
He added that the appointment reflects Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s leadership in continuing the good working relationship between the Sarawak and federal governments.
At the same time, Gerawat also paid tribute to Dato Seri Idris Jala, a Kelabit from the remote Bario Highlands, who was a senator and minister in the federal cabinet and had initiated and implemented significant transformative changes in various governance and delivery processes in the government.
“Datuk Mutang Tagal has his own experience, talents, and capabilities to serve the nation well in his new role. His experience as a practising lawyer, two-term MP, involvement in the corporate and business sectors as the current president of the Orang Ulu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and vice president of the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry, his experience in diplomacy as representative and Romanian consul for Sarawak, will be useful for his job.
“I wish Datuk Mutang the very best, and I have full confidence in his ability to deliver and make an impact as Dewan Negara president.” — DayakDaily
