By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Feb 15: It is untrue to say that the changing of the title of Chief Minister to ‘Premier’ and assistant ministers to ‘deputy ministers’ will not incur expenses, says Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong.
She was pointing out an alleged error in the Constitution of the State of Sarawak (Amendment) Bill, 2022 where it stated that “the bill will not involve the government in extra financial expenditure”.
She said once the bill is passed, all relevant stationery such as letterheads, name cards, websites, signboards including the car plates of the Chief Minister would require immediate change.
“So, definitely a substantial amount of money will be spent to do the reprinting of all these items.
“Are you saying that after the (title) change, you don’t need to change your name cards?” she queried, directing the question to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Additionally, Yong said she foresaw courier charges when letters and notices are to be sent to related ministries, agencies and departments in Sarawak and all other states regarding the change of titles.
Meanwhile, she also queried about the party that will be getting the printing contracts of the new letterheads, name cards and signboards.
“For this, we cannot have an amendment bill with which contains an untrue statement that will mislead the august House.
“For this particular statement on financial implication, I think this has to be changed,” said Yong, when opposing the Bill.
The Constitution of the State of Sarawak (Amendment) Bill, 2022 was tabled by the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and read for the second and third time today.
At the time of writing, the bill has been passed with 67 votes in favour and six opposing votes. — DayakDaily
