KUCHING: The restyling of the title ‘Chief Minister’ to ‘Premier’ marks the beginning of Sarawak being recognised and is at a different level compared to other states in the Peninsula.
According to the state leaders, the gazettement of the title effective March 1 is timely as it reflects the outcome of the state government’s struggles in fighting for Sarawak’s rights as enshrined in Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Following the gazettement, the Deputy Chief Minister will now be called Deputy Premier while Assistant Minister is known as Deputy Minister.
Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil
The restyling of the title is only the beginning and more amendments may be forthcoming. For me, the change is indeed timely and fitting to differentiate Sarawak (and Sabah) as territories, partners and signatories in the formation of Malaysia together with the Federation of Malaya. This is because the states in Malaya were not signatories in the formation of Malaysia, hence, cannot be equated with Sarawak and Sabah. In addition, the restyling is also to give cognition that the head of the Executive in Sarawak and Sabah are higher than those in the states in Malaya but lower than the Prime Minister.
Datuk Peter Minos
It is truly high time for the gazettement of the title’s restyling. This is because Sarawak, Sabah, and Malaya are of equal status. With the changes made, Sarawak must go for and get equality in all other things such as finance, civil service, legal service and so on. Nevertheless, we Sarawakians deeply appreciate and feel grateful to the government and GPS for fighting and making Sarawak have equal stand to Malaya and Sabah.
Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah
This will put to close all ambiguity on the usage of the term ‘Premier’ and ‘Deputy Premier’. The DUN is the highest law making body of the State. Whatever it passes, if it is not in conflict with the Federal Constitution, stands as state law. All Sarawakian should be proud of the changes as it places us on the right perspective such as Sarawak is different from the other states in Malaya.
Datuk Dr Jerip Susil
Sarawak as a region has every autonomy to decide on the style of leadership which shows that we are different from the states in Malaya. Since we are considered as a region and not equivalent to the states there, we would like to follow the models which are in the Commonwealth countries. As such, calling our leader, who is the chief administrator in the region as ‘Premier’ suits us best. With this change and this new exercise of autonomy, we would be able to achieve more with the capable leadership of our new Premier of Sarawak. It is hoped that our Premier would steer us to greater heights for what we want to achieve in the year 2030.
Datuk Idris Buang
The restyling of the title is very apt and honourable…and it is a truly sensible name for our number one politician in the state. Now that it is already clearly provided in the law viz, in our State Constitution to call our leader ‘Premier’, I hope those wanting to prolong the issue by negatively arguing and connoting the word ‘Premier’ with any other thing would just put a stop to their fruitless endeavour as it is an improper thing and a waste of time to do so. The change is now lawful whether you like it or not. In my opinion, the restyling of the title is very good as it also reflects Sarawak’s status as a region. From now on, let us move on together positively with a fresh spirit of dynamism. We need to look into the future and hope that our Premier of Sarawak will lead us to a new level of excellence in every aspect of development. We must give him and the government he helms the fullest support in the best way we can to carry out and implement all the good plans for Sarawak.
