By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, May 27: Talks on the appointment of a new Senate president are still in the discussion stage, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar elaborated that there is a list of candidates nominated for the post left vacant after Datuk Mutang Tagal died while still in office on May 10 this year at age 69.
“There are many (names)… do you want to give (me) an additional name?” he asked.
Anwar was responding to a reporter’s question about the number of candidates nominated for the post and the decision as to who will be the next Senate president after an hour-long meeting with Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sarawak Cabinet members at a hotel today.
At the meeting, which also saw Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof and Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi present, Anwar disclosed that he took every opportunity to discuss more effective implementation of policies and projects as the Federal and State governments have an excellent working rapport.
Among other matters, he said that a question was raised on the use of the English language in Sarawak.
“In principle, there is no conflict in the use of the English language (in Sarawak) for as long as the Malay language remains, and that additional use of English is always important.
“I believe for Malaysia to leap forward, the Malay language must be strengthened, and the English language must also be improved on,” he said.
Earlier, Anwar was in Kuching to present awards to Sarawak journalists who had contributed to the media industry in the State during the Hari Wartawan Nasional (Hawana) 2024 celebration. — DayakDaily
