By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, May 5: Sarawak will refer to practices by other Commonwealth countries for new terminology to replace the usage of the term ‘Sarawak Legislative Assembly’ (DUN).
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak is a region, and based on that, the term ‘State Legislative Assembly’ which is being used throughout the country should not apply.
According to him, Sarawak is also not using the term ‘territory’ (Wilayah) as it would imply that Sarawak is the same level with Federal Territories of Labuan and Kuala Lumpur.
“Other Commonwealth countries such as Canada, are using the term provincial parliament. So we will look at the appropriate use of words from a legal point of view and discuss the matter with the Sarawak Attorney-General.
“We have a committee together with Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali to look into this matter,” he told reporters after his Hari Raya Aidilfitri visit to Women, Family and Community Development Minister Dato Sri Nancy Shukri at her residence here today.
Abang Johari was asked to comment on DUN Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar statement yesterday (May 4) that the word ‘negeri’ (State) be dropped since Sarawak is recognised as a region and not one of the 13 states within Malaysia.
He added that the new terminology will also depends on public feedback and will be adjusted accordingly with Commonwealth law. — DayakDaily
