PUTRAJAYA: The government will announce the new Dewan Negara president soon, following the appointment of Tan Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar as the eighth Sarawak governor.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the announcement will be made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim before the Upper House sits next month.
"The cabinet discussed on the matter in the meeting today and we have the name for the Dewan Negara president.
"I also believe that it will be announced in the nearest time," he said at a press conference held after the cabinet meeting today.
Fahmi, however, kept mum when asked about the candidate's party.
On Jan 19, it was reported that Wan Junaidi would resign as Dewan Negara president following his appointment as the Sarawak governor. The former law minister, however, maintained silence over the issue
On Jan 29, he took his oath as the eighth Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri, confirming rumours about his appointment as the state governor.
His appointment, made in accordance with Article 1 of the Sarawak State Constitution, is for a four-year term from Jan 26, 2024 to Jan 26, 2028.
He replaced Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, who had held the post for three terms from March 1, 2014.