KUCHING: Putrajaya or the ministry that oversees the appointment of Tan Sri Dr Kamal Mat Salih as Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) Board of Directors chairman must respect the convention of consultation.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said, “Whoever oversees the appointment of certain important positions in Sarawak, must respect the convention of consultation with the Sarawak government before appointing (them).
“Because unilateral appointment could lead to unnecessary anger and mistrust between the federal government and the state government.”
Abdul Karim, who is also Youth and Sports Minister, said this when contacted by New Sarawak Tribune on the appointment of Kamal as Unimas Board chairman.
He pointed out that among the important positions that require consultation include the post of a Federal Secretary, Commissioner Police Sarawak, Unimas Vice-Chancellor and Board chairman, among others.
Abdul Karim said by bulldozing its way through like the latest appointment, Putrajaya would end up creating anger and distrust.
“It is not helping integration and harmony between Federal government and the State of Sarawak,” he said.
He noted that Sarawak already has issues of oil and gas rights, royalties, continental shelf, Federal Village Community Management Council (MPKKP), among other things, with the Federal Government.
“Adding more into this list will not help in fostering good relation and integration between Malaya and the Borneo States,” he said.
