KUALA LUMPUR: The Office of the Premier of Sarawak today dismissed reports suggesting that a special meeting was convened at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Building in Kuching yesterday to discuss the appointment of a new Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak.
"It has come to the attention of this office that there are reports in the media stating that there was a special meeting at the assembly to discuss the appointment of a Head of State.
"In this regard, this office wishes to clarify that there was no such meeting for such a purpose," the office said in a statement today.
On Friday, media reports claimed that Tan Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar had submitted his resignation as the Dewan Negara president and that he is expected to be appointed as the eighth Governor of Sarawak.
News portal The Malaysian Insight, citing a resignation letter, disclosed this development.
A source close to the Sarawak State Astana had said that a special meeting was held at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly yesterday morning, believed to discuss the appointment of a new Yang di-Pertua Negeri.
When asked if Wan Junaidi would be appointed to the position, the source said the Sarawak State Astana was aware of the news but had yet to make a decision.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg had said that the matter related to the appointment of the Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri was the prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah
State Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, yesterday said that he was made to understand that Wan Junaidi would be issuing an official statement surrounding reports on his resignation as the Dewan Negara president.
As of press time, Wan Junaidi, who is the former Santubong member of parliament, could not be reached for comment.