KUCHING: Putrajaya should just give Sarawak back its autonomy including in education since it has consistently disrespected the wishes of Sarawakians.
Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said this when commenting on the appointment of Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) chairman Tan Sri Dr Kamal Mat Salih as Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) board of directors’ chairman.
“This Unimas incident proves our concerns all these while, that calling us an equal partner like what Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad did in 2018 and 2019 is not what we want.
“We want equal status as enshrined in the Federal Constitution and upheld by the laws. Not in name but in substance. Not by words but by actions.”
Sim added that sadly until today, Putrajaya does not understand ‘equal partnership’ in the formation of Malaysia.
“Since KL consistently does not respect and fails us, respect the wishes of Sarawakians, give back our autonomy including in education,” he said.
On Friday (Dec 2), it was reported that Kamal would be replacing outgoing chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie whose term was set to expire on April 30, 2021.
The Chief Minister’s Office yesterday had released a statement saying that the Sarawak government had only learned of the news through the media.
“It is regrettable that the appointment of Tan Sri Dr Kamal Salih has not been referred to the Sarawak government.
“It has to be clarified that Unimas Board chairman has always been appointed after consultation with the State government,” it said.
The statement noted that the state government was not notified officially of Kamal’s appointment prior to the announcement.
