‘Tenure of TYT at the King’s discretion’
Agong has absolute power to call off Taib’s term as Yang di-Pertua Negeri, says DPM Fadillah
KUCHING: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong has the absolute power to end Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud’s tenure as Sarawak governor, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
He said this when asked about Taib’s tenure as Yang di-Pertua Negeri, which was supposed to end on Feb 28, being ended early with Friday’s appointment of Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar as the 8th Sarawak governor.
“I don’t want to comment much on that as that is up to the jurisdiction of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. I don’t want to comment on that.
“This is up to the absolute power of the King,” he said when met by reporters after officiating at the AlQamar Marapati Court of the Pertubuhan Seni Silat Sendeng Sarawak here yesterday.
Commenting on Wan Junaidi’s appointment, Fadillah believed this was done based on the former Dewan Negara president’s extensive experience in serving Malaysia and Sarawak, as he had helmed ministerial posts for various ministries.
Having begun his career as a police officer, Fadillah said Wan Junaidi became a lawyer and eventually a politician, and has also authored many books.
“Definitely, he is the right person to helm the post as governor,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg told reporters after officiating an event here Friday night that Wan Junaidi’s vast experience in public office would enable him to perform his duties as Governor effectively.
I don’t want to comment much on that as that is up to the jurisdiction of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. I don’t want to comment on that. This is up to the absolute power of the King.
— Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister
“The Yang di-Pertuan Agong has consented to appoint the new Head of State for us, in the person of Tun Wan Junaidi.
“Definitely his vast experience will enable him to contribute his service to us in Sarawak. He has experience at both federal and state (levels). Therefore, we congratulate him for his appointment,” said Abang Johari.
Wan Junaidi received his appointment letter from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong AlSultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Istana Negara, and was also conferred the Darjah Kebesaran Seri Maharaja Mangku Negara (SSM), which carries the title ‘Tun’.
His appointment is for a fouryear term until Jan 26, 2028.
Taib had held the post for three terms since March 2014.