KUCHING – Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has refused to comment on reports that Tan Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar will be the next head of state.
“I cannot comment,” he told the media after he officiated an event in Damai Lagoon Resort here today.
When asked if Sarawak has nominated a name to be the new head of state, he replied: “Like I said, I cannot comment on it publicly because the absolute power (on the appointment of the head of state) is with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.”
Asked if Wan Junaidi had indeed submitted his resignation as Dewan Negara president, he replied: “(Why don’t) you ask him?”
It was reported that Wan Junaidi, 78, had tendered his resignation as Dewan Negara president and was expected to be appointed as the eighth Sarawak governor.
He was, however, quoted in The Star as downplaying talk of him being appointed as the next Sarawak head of state, saying that it was just “social media speculation” at the moment.
“For now, it’s treated as social media speculation until an official announcement is made by the state government.”
Wan Junaidi was a minister and also an MP for seven terms since 1990, but he did not defend his Santubong seat in the 15th general election.
Current Sarawak governor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud held the position for three terms since March 2014.
It is learnt that Taib’s current term as Sarawak governor is expected to end at the end of next month.
Meanwhile, Berita Harian reported the swearing-in ceremony for the position of Sarawak governor scheduled to be held on January 29.
However, the news portal could not confirm whether the swearing-in ceremony is for the position of the acting Yang di-Pertua.
A source close to the Astana Negeri Sarawak said a special meeting was allegedly held at the Sarawak legislative assembly this morning believed to be discussing the appointment of a new governor.
Quoting the same source, it said Taib who was previously in Istanbul, Turkiye, had returned to Kuching last night. – January 20, 2024