KUCHING: The new Dewan Negara president will come from Sarawak, says Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
However, he declined to reveal any names, saying that it would be announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"We wait for the announcement by the Prime Minister. I'm waiting for it too.
"Certainly (the new president) will be a Sarawakian," he told reporters after opening an Iban cultural symposium here on Monday (June 24).
Abang Johari was asked whether he had discussed the appointment of the new president with Anwar when the Prime Minister was here for the state Gawai dinner last Saturday (June 22).
The position fell vacant when Senate President Datuk Mutang Tagal passed away on May 10.
Mutang, 69, was the first Dayak from the Lun Bawang indigenous community to hold the post when he was appointed on Feb 19 this year.
Separately, Abang Johari said he met Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) MPs and senators in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday (June 23) ahead of the current parliamentary meeting.
He said they discussed the Bintulu Port as the Bintulu Port Authority Bill is likely to be repealed in this meeting.
This will pave the way for Sarawak to complete its takeover of Bintulu Port from the Federal Government.
