Right for CM as the chief executive of the state to be chairman of SMA

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Wong addressing a press conference in the Media Room at DUN Complex.

KUCHING: It is only right for Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to be the chairman of Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) since he is the chief executive of the state, said Minister of International Trade and E-Commerce Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh.

Wong, who is also Second Finance Minister, explained that the authority will be established following the passing of the SMA Bill on the first day of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting yesterday.

Moreover, he pointed out that Abang Johari who also holds the ministerial portfolio  of digital economy and communication, which is all encompassing a wide ranging objective in the development of digital economy in Sarawak.

He highlighted this during a press conference in the Media Room at DUN Complex today in responding to the various issues raised by members of opposition in the august House during the tabling of the Sarawak Multimedia Authority Bill 2017 yesterday.

“Member of Kota Sentosa (Chong Chieng Jen) is so ignorant of the Cabinet line up. Is he not aware that the Chief Minister holds such important portfolio,” he said.

“More importantly, the Chief Minister as the chief executive of the government will be held responsible for the things done for the state while the portfolio (e-commerce) I hold is just a portion,” he added.

Brushing aside Chong’s assumptions including lack in qualification as to why Wong was not made the chairman, he reiterated that it was only right for Abang Johari to take on the chairmanship of SMA.

“He (Abang Johari) has to be responsible, answerable and accountable to the people on what he is doing,” he reminded.

On the authority’s board member issue, Wong also assured Wong King Wei (DAP-Padungan) that there will be other members who are experts well versed in the field of digital technology and economy sitting in the Board.

“So it is impossible for the Chief Minister to leave the responsibility to advisors and consultants as suggested by member of Padungan because he (Abang Johari) has to ensure its proper execution,” he said.