KUCHING: It is imperative for the federal government to consult the state government before appointing any individual to head federal agencies or departments in Sarawak.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) political analyst Associate Professor Dr Lee Kuok Tiung said this is crucial to ensure close cooperation between the federal and state; especially under the current Unity federal government.
Otherwise, he said, it would reflect the Malaya-centric thinking of the Putrajaya administration.
“This will definitely create tension and affect the G to G relationship in the future,” he told New Sarawak Tribune when contacted.
He was commenting on the recent speculation that Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Santubong branch chief Ahmad Nazib Johari was purportedly made state director of the Department of Communications (J-KOM).
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah had also criticised such a decision by Putrajaya, made without consulting the Sarawak government as ‘insensitive’.
However, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil was quick to deny the appointment, adding that he was made to understand that the position would be filled by a candidate proposed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Lee opined that maybe PKR promised political appointments for their party members, thus, the speculation, but it is not appropriate to appoint anyone heading a department or agency in Sarawak, without consulting the state government.
“Although the minister has denied the appointment; whether it is not true or if they are making a U-turn, they should be aware that whoever is appointed next or (in the future) as head of department or agencies, they must first seek advice or consult the Sarawak government,” he said.
Meanwhile, Political scientist Professor Datuk Dr Jayum Jawan agreed that it would be good to consult the state government as it shows respect.
“But the federal government does not have to consult all the time and on all matters. We have our Sarawakian Members of Parliament (MPs), even a deputy prime minister at the federal level,” he said, referring to Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Apart from that, he said, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi and Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, are both from the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) as well.
“Perhaps that (this happened) is the reason that many believe that the Unity federal government under Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is fragile.
“He consults and listens to many people and parties; and in the end, he may get mixed signals, hence, making u-turn, among other things. These do not fare well for a good leadership,” he added.
Speculation of Ahmad Nazib’s appointment as the new J-KOM Sarawak director came following a Facebook post by Sarawak PKR chief Roland Engan last Friday.
In his Facebook post, Roland congratulated Ahmad Nazib on his supposed appointment.
Karim had slammed such a decision as Ahmad Nazib had contested (in several elections) and went against Fadillah but lost.
“Whether or not he has repented, if he is a person who will divide the people, then don’t appoint him (as J-KOM director),” he said.
