KUCHING: Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, the Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN), has been sworn in as the acting Head of State on today (Aug 17).
The ceremony at 4pm, held at the Astana Negeri, was witnessed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and High Court Judge Dr Alwi Abdul Wahab.
Asfia, 75, signed the Oath of Office and will hold the position from Aug 16 to Sept 17.
During this period, he will exercise all constitutional powers vested in the Head of State during the absence of Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
The appointment of Asfia was deemed necessary and was listed under Article 1(3) of the Sarawak Constitution, as specified in a letter of appointment from Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, read by Abang Johari.
This appointment aims to fulfil the role and functions of the Head of State during Taib’s absence. Asfia had previously served as the acting Head of State from Dec 1, 2019, to Jan 11, 2020.
Apart from his acting role, Asfia has been the DUN Speaker since 2002, with Datuk Idris Buang as the Deputy Speaker. He also held the position of Serdeng state constituency incumbent from 1991 to 2006, which was later renamed Semop, and continued to represent the constituency until 2011.
Present at the ceremony were Asfia’s wife, Puan Sri Datuk Fatimah Mohd Iskandar, Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Meanwhile, Taib, who left the state with his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib, about a month ago, has extended his leave and stay overseas.
On Aug 3, Abang Johari confirmed that Taib’s health was improving after being taken ill during his leave abroad.
