KUALA LUMPUR: The appointment of the eighth governor of Sarawak is expected to be announced this week, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The prime minister, when met by reporters after the launch of the 2024 Global Intellectual Discourse held in Universiti Malaya today, said the candidate has been approved by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
"The appointment process is under the review of the King. I presented the names (to the King), provided by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg, last week.
"The King has given his consent and approval, and it (the announcement) is expected to be done within one or two days," he said.
Anwar, however, kept mum on whether Tan Sri Wan Junaidi Wan Jaafar had resigned as the Dewan Negara president in order to be appointed the Sarawak governor, though he said a meeting regarding the post would be held tonight.
"We (the government) will also discuss the (appointment) of the next Dewan Negara president and a meeting with the unity government secretariat will be held later tonight."
On Friday, media reports claimed that Wan Junaidi had submitted his resignation as the Dewan Negara president and that he was expected to be appointed as the eighth governor of Sarawak.
A source close to the Sarawak State Astana, meanwhile, said that a special meeting was held at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly on Saturday 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.
As of press time, Wan Junaidi, who is the former Santubong member of parliament, could not be reached for comment.