By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 22: The appointment of a Sarawakian as Dewan Negara president three times in a row reflects Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s trust in Sarawakians to lead the Senate.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this in reference to former Nangka assemblyman Dato Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah’s appointment as Senate president this morning.
“We wish to congratulate Awang Bemee for being given the trust by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Prime Minister in being appointed as the Senate president.
“Awang Bemee was taking over from Datuk Mutang Tagal, who took over from Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
“This reflects the trust given to us (Sarawak) to lead the Upper House,” he said in an audio recording made available to the press after he held a press conference following the launching ceremony for Sarawak Methanol Complex in Tanjung Kidurong, Bintulu today.
Abang Johari who is also Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman further thanked Anwar for the latter’s trust in the coalition to nominate another candidate for the top post.
Anwar first nominated Wan Junaidi for the position on June 19, 2023, after the latter’s predecessor Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim’s tenure ended on June 15.
On Jan 19, 2024, Wan Junaidi resigned from the post to become the eighth Sarawak Governor where he received the appointment letter from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at Istana Negara on Jan 26, 2024.
Following this, Anwar nominated Mutang on Feb 19, 2024 for the post left vacant by Wan Junaidi, which Mutang won unopposed.
However, Mutang passed away on May 10 due to heart complications, and the seat was once again vacant.
This led to the third consecutive time that Anwar nominated a Sarawakian to the top post, which Awang Bemee won unopposed this morning. — DayakDaily
