New Unimas chairman resigns, says pointless to stay on after uproar
KUCHING: Tan Sri Dr Kamal Salih yesterday announced his resignation as chairman of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), just days a er he was appointed to the post.
His appointment had caused an uproar among Sarawakians, particularly the Sarawak government who said they were not consulted on the appointment as was the usual practice.
Kamal, the former Wangsa Maju MP, told The Malaysian Insight that it was pointless for him to take up the post a er the state said it preferred a local.
“Basically they want a Sarawak native so there is no point placing someone who is not from the state. It is best to give it to someone else,” he said, adding he would formally submit his resignation le er to the higher education director-general by yesterday a ernoon.
Meanwhile, he also told Free Malaysia Today that he did not want to be involved in any politics.
“I heard from some parties that the Sarawak government wanted a Sarawakian. I think everyone knows that and they did voice their dissatisfaction over not being consulted on my appointment.
“I don’t want to be involved in any politics. I just wanted to contribute.”
Kamal, who heads the Malaysian lnstitute of Economic Research (MIER), was named to replace Tan Sri Sulong Matjeraie, whose term was supposed to expire in April next year.
He was the first nonSarawakian to be appointed Unimas chairman.
Last Friday, the Sarawak government in a statement described Kamal’s appointment as “regre able” in view that they were not consulted and notified.
It also clarified that the Unimas board chairman “has always been appointed a er consultation with the state government,” which was the case since the appointment of the first three chairmen – Bujang Mohd Nor, Ha a Solhi and Sulong – all of whom are Sarawakians.