KUCHING, February 17, 2022 - Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg’s close and trusted ally Datuk Ibrahim Baki has been appointed as Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chief whip in the Sarawak Assembly, effective last night.
The appointment was announced by Abang Johari at a dinner with the GPS elected representatives, which was held after the conclusion of the Sarawak Assembly’s three-day sitting yesterday.
A seasoned political observer suspected that the appointment was prompted by what had happened during the voting on the Sarawak Constitution (Amendment) Bill in the Sarawak Assembly two days ago.
The bill was only supported by 54 out of the 82 total number of State Assemblymen in the Sarawak Assembly in the first round of voting, prompting Padungan State Assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen to inform the House Speaker Tan Sri Asfia Awang Nasar that the number 54 did not constitute two-thirds which were required for any amendment to the constitution to pass through.
It was shy by one vote to constitute the two-thirds support.
However, in the second round of voting, 67 Assemblymen voted for the bill while the six from the Opposition bench opposed it.
It would be a great embarrassment for GPS, especially Abang Johari, if the bill had failed to get the two-thirds support from the total number of State Assemblymen.
Hence, the appointment of the chief whip is deemed to be necessary and urgent to remind all the State Assemblymen, including ministers, of their heavy responsibilities during the sitting of the Sarawak Assembly.
In the December 18, 2021 state election, GPS won 76 out of 82 State Assembly seats up for grabs.
In a statement, Ibrahim, who is also Satok Assemblyman, thanked Abang Johari for the appointment, saying that he is humbled with the trust that the chief minister has put onto him.
“I pledge to fulfill the responsibilities given to the best of my abilities,” he said.
He also thanked the other GPS component party heads – Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) for their nomination and endorsement for my appointment.
“Our august House in Sarawak has been established some 155 years ago and it is the oldest legislature in Malaysia and one of the oldest continuously functioning legislatures in the world.
“With its history and its stature, it is incumbent on all members of the Assembly to uphold its status and maintain their decorum – to act in a manner that is parliamentary.
“I hope with my new position, I can instill a sense of propriety and decency in the Assembly and ensure that our august House will continue to be seen as a bastion to uphold and protect Sarawak rights.
“This is as well as exercising its functions as the highest law making body in the state as we continue to seek more restoration of Sarawak rights as per Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and Inter-Government Committee Report (IGC) 1962 under the Federal Constitution,” Ibrahim, who is also PBB deputy secretary-general, said.
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