By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, May 13: Serian MP Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem has been appointed as the Prime Minister’s special envoy to East Asia with the status of a full minister.
This was disclosed in a two-paragraph letter from Datuk Dr Marzuki Mohamad, the Prime Minister’s Chief Private Secretary, dated May 6, the receipt of which has been duly acknowledged by Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian today (May 13).
When contacted, Riot revealed he has not yet received the official letter of appointment even though he has been overwhelmed by congratulatory messages since yesterday.
“So, I can’t comment at the moment but I hope the news is genuine,” said Riot.
Riot, 68, has been Serian MP for seven consecutive terms since 1990 and was the Minister of Human Resources from 2013-2018.
Prior to that, he was the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. — DayakDaily
