The speculated departure of Abdul Taib Mahmud as Sarawak governor is poised to symbolise the conclusion of an era for the “strong Sarawak brand”, according to a political analyst.
Jeniri Amir, who is a Council of Professors senior fellow, said Taib is a renowned politician and a household name in Bumi Kenyalang (Land of the Hornbills) after being in power for 43 years.
Taib became Sarawak’s chief minister after succeeding his uncle Abdul Rahman Ya’kub, for 33 years from 1981 to 2014.
He then became the seventh Sarawak governor in 2014.
He was reappointed for a third term in 2022 - for only two years, instead of a full four-year term - with his tenure set to expire at the end of February this year.
While Taib has long been accused of corruption by his critics, Jeniri commended the 88-year-old for bringing infrastructure development as well as economic growth to the territory and the nation.
However, Jeniri opined that Taib’s time as the head of state is up.
“It’s an open secret that he (Taib) is not well. I think it is only right for a new governor to replace him,” he told Malaysiakini.
“We need to be realistic, everything that begins will come to an end.
“I think it’s realistic. Taib is a pragmatic man, he knows.”
In recent days, the rumour mill has been rife that Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar is set to succeed Taib as the eighth Sarawak governor.
While Wan Junaidi and others have downplayed the rumours, the 78-year-old veteran politician has tendered his resignation as the Dewan Negara president.
If the speculations are true, this means Taib is retiring after a long career in politics.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed a candidate has been submitted to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for the Sarawak governor position.
Anwar also said Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg decided on the candidate but stopped short of naming the nominee.
Nothing remains but the institution
Universiti Malaya academic Awang Azman Awang Pawi shared Jeniri’s sentiments, quoting a Malay proverb “patah tumbuh hilang berganti”, which is akin to “there will be a replacement for everything”.
Speaking to Malaysiakini, Awang Azman pointed out that while change is inevitable, the institution remains unchanged.
“We need to accept the fact that in a changing era, times and sentiments are also changing.
“The only thing that remains permanent is the institution – the institution of governor and the institution of premier. The leaders will change.
“There is nothing greater than the interest of the institution itself, especially personal interests,” Awang Azman said.
New governor, new era
Commenting on rumours that Wan Junaidi is getting ready to assume the Sarawak governor position, Jeniri divulged that Sarawakians, in particular, are looking forward to the change as the former law minister fits the bill.
“The people are hoping for a new era under Wan Junaidi. He is well accepted and well respected by the people and has good communications with the federal government. He is also a very humble man.
“He has integrity and is very capable. No one will question him,” he added.
Awang Azman concurred, saying Wan Junaidi offers the “full package”.
“In terms of education, experience, exposure, and his behaviour, he is a suitable candidate for the position,” he added.
Wan Junaidi was an MP for seven terms since 1990 before deciding not to defend his Santubong seat in the 15th general election in 2022.
Previously, he held the positions of deputy home minister, natural resources and environment minister, and minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Parliament and Law.
In June last year, the government nominated Wan Junaidi as Senate president, succeeding Rais Yatim. - Mkini
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