KUCHING: The Speaker of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, was sworn in as the Acting Yang di-Pertua of Sarawak effective from last night until Sept 17.
The appointment is to fill the position during the absence of the Yang di-Pertua of Sarawak, Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, who is currently undergoing a recovery phase abroad.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Sarawak State Astana and was witnessed by Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and the Chief Judge of the High Court in Kuching, Datuk Dr Alwi Abdul Wahab.
During the ceremony, Abang Johari also read out the letter of appointment for the Acting Yang di-Pertua of Sarawak on behalf of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
Mohamad Asfia, aged 75, who has held the position of Speaker of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly since 2000, previously served as the Acting Yang di-Pertua of Sarawak from Dec 1, 2019 to Jan 11, 2020.
On Aug 3, the Sarawak State Astana urged the public not to be easily swayed by news and speculations about Abdul Taib's health condition.
The private secretary to the Yang di-Pertua of Sarawak, Junih Salleh Ahmad, stated in a press release that Abdul Taib's health is improving and he is currently in a recovery phase abroad, and he will return shortly.
