KUALA LUMPUR: Several individuals, including politicians from Sarawak and Sabah, have been tipped for the position of Dewan Negara president ahead of the upcoming parliamentary sitting.
The position became vacant last month following the appointment of Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar as the eight Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri on Jan 26, replacing Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud.
It is understood that the announcement on the appointment of the new Dewan Negara president was expected to be made on Feb 19.
Sources say among the names rumoured to fill the vacancy are former Bukit Mas member of parliament Datuk Mutang Tagal and former foreign minister Tan Sri Anifah Aman.
"The quota for the (Dewan Negara) president's position has been given to the government's counterparts in Sabah and Sarawak."
However, speculation is rife that Mutang is the top pick for the next president of the Upper House.
Mutang was Bukit Mas MP (now renamed Lawas) from 1982 to 1990, having served the constituency for two terms. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Law from Universiti Malaya.
Anifah served as Beaufort MP from 1999 to 2004, and as Kimanis MP from 2004 to 2013, and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy, Economics and Law from Buckingham University.
Mutang and Anifah, however, could not be reached to confirm the matter.
Previously, an online portal reported that a former Sarawak MP who served from 1982 to 1990 has been tipped to be appointed as the next Dewan Negara president.
It was learnt that the individual with a legal background had also received the appointment letter, but is waiting for the official announcement on Feb 19.
Last week, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the government would make an announcement on the appointment for Dewan Negara president in the near future.
Fahmi said the cabinet had discussed the matter and had decided on the name for the next Dewan Negara president.