KUCHING: The Sarawak Premier’s Office has denied that there were discussions held at the state assembly regarding the appointment of a new Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri.

       In a statement issued Sunday (Jan 21), it said the office is aware of media reports stating that there has been a special meeting to discuss the matter.

       "In this regard, this office wishes to clarify that there was no such meeting for such a purpose," it said.

       On Saturday (Jan 20), Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the authority to appoint the Yang di-Pertua Negeri lies with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

       Recently, it was reported that Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar was said to have submitted his resignation letter and was preparing to assume the position currently held by Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud.

       Abdul Taib was officially appointed as the seventh Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, succeeding Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng, on March 1, 2014. - Bernama