UNIMAS CHAIRMAN APPOINTMENT
KUCHING: The appointment of Tan Sri Dr Kamal Mat Salih as the fourth chairman of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s (Unimas) board of directors without adhering to the standard operating procedure (SOP) is most regrettable, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing.
He said Putrajaya of late has the habit of ignoring or not respecting Sarawak interests.
“It was, therefore, a good move for GPS to detach itself from the federal political connection,” added Masing.
He also hoped those members of parliament from Sarawak and Sarawakians who still believe that Pakatan Harapan (PH) will respect Sarawak’s needs should open their eyes and stop believing in PH’s promises.
Meanwhile the state government will seek clarification from the federal government on Kamal’s appointment.
In a statement, the Chief Minister’s Office said that they only learned of the appointment of Dr Kamal, who is chairman of the Malaysian lnstitute of Economic Research (Mier), through the media.
“It is regrettable that the appointment was not referred to the Sarawak government.
“It has to be clarified that the Unimas board chairman has always been appointed after consultation with the state government.
“This process has been adhered to since the appointment of the first chairman, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Bujang Mohd Nor,” added the statement.
The second chairman was Datuk Dr Hatta Solhi followed by Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie, whose term of office was supposed to expire on April 30, 2021.
