KUCHING, Feb 20: The recent appointment of Datuk Mutang Tagal as the 20th Senate President is a historic moment for the Dayak community – particularly the Orang Ulu – for being the first to be appointed to the top post.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala is confident that Mutang is able to serve the nation well in his new role, given his extensive experience.
“Mutang’s appointment is a great honour and a recognition of the capabilities and talents from the community who can serve and contribute to nation building at the highest level.
“His experience as a practising lawyer, two term member of Parliament, involvement in the corporate and business sector as current President of Orang Ulu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Vice President of the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry as well as his experience in diplomacy and representative and Romanian Consul for Sarawak, will be very useful for his job,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
In addition, Gala said that the decision is a reaffirmation of the strong role carried by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition.
“Under the leadership of Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, I believe that this spirit will ensure the good relationship between the state and federal government towards the Unity Government,” he added.
Mutang, who is a lawyer by training, served for two terms as MP for Bukit Mas from 1982 to 1990, before the constituency was re-delineated into the Limbang and Lawas seats.
Mutang succeeded Tan Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who stepped down from the role to become the eight Governor of Sarawak on January 26. -TVS
