‘Select new Unimas chairman from Dayak community’

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Jugah Muyang

MIRI: It is high time for a Dayak to be given the chance to hold the position of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) chairman, says Lubok Antu member of parliament Jugah Muyang.

According to him, it is important for the federal government to understand that Sarawakians want the autonomy promised by the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) to be realised.

“Are there no locals from the Dayak community who are talented and have the calibre to helm the position of Unimas chairman? The federal government should consider selecting a Dayak for the position.

“There are many local Sarawakians from the Dayak community who are qualified for the position such as Prof Jayum Jawan, Prof Dr Ilan Mersat, and Prof Dr Madeline Berma, and many more,” he said in a statement.

He said this is the time to implement plans to ensure the public sector reflects Sarawak’s diverse ethnic composition.

Jugah said the federal government’s recent appointment of Tan Sri Dr Kamal Mat Salih as chairman was seen as denying the rights of Sarawakians, as this was the first time a non-Sarawakian was appointed to the post.

Kamal’s appointment received many objections from Sarawakians.

A press statement from the Chief Minister’s Office said it was regrettable that the Sarawak government was not consulted and only found out about the appointment through a media announcement.

However, Kamal announced his resignation from the post days later.