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By Shikin Louis & Karen Bong
KUCHING, Aug 8: Tan Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar’s selection as the Dewan Negara Speaker presented a resolution to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s challenge in identifying a neutral and suitable candidate for the position.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg recalled that Anwar had told him his challenges which included finding a “neutral” candidate to hold the Dewan Negara Speaker post during a car ride in Kuching.
“So I told him that if he wants a neutral representative, then choose a leader from Sarawak.
“He (Anwar) then asked me, ‘Do you think Wan Junaidi would want to return?’ which I replied that I will ask Wan Junaidi.
“That is why I called Wan Junaidi who at that time was my special advisor on carbon trading following his vast experience as the former Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.
“When I asked Wan Junaidi, he replied, ‘For the nation, I am ready to serve’,” Abang Johari said during a thanksgiving dinner on the appointment of Wan Junaidi as the Senate president held at Dewan Kompleks Islam Sarawak here earlier tonight.
Abang Johari further said Wan Junaidi’s appointment not only served as a resolution to Anwar’s problem but also serves as an advantage for Sarawak.
He stated that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) only wants political stability for continued foreign investments.
“The moment you have outflow of funds but you are not stable, then your economy will not be focused. When there is no inflow of funds, your ringgits will be weakened.
“Not to mention, our economy relies a lot on import which weakens our currency value and affect our people.
“However, if Malaysia is peaceful where the government is stable and the public’s level of confidence is high, investors will come to Malaysia,” he explained.
Amongst those present were Abang Johari’s wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang; Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and Dewan Negara Deputy President, Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed. — DayakDaily
