Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah has appointed Sarawak head of state Abdul Taib Mahmud as Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s (Unimas) new chancellor.

The Agong, represented by Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also Education Minister, presented the letter of appointment at Astana Negeri, Petra Jaya today.

Abdul Taib replaces Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng who was also Sarawak’s 6th head of state, as the university’s third chancellor.

Present at the ceremony were Abdul Taib’s wife, Ragad Kurdi Taib, Muhyiddin’s wife, Noorainee Abdul Rahma, and Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem and his wife Jamilah Anu.

Deputy Chief Minister Alfred Jabu Numpang, Unimas board of directors chairperson Dr Hatta Solhi and vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi also attended.

In his address, Abdul Taib said he would ensure that Unimas maintained its image as an established institution of higher learning.

“The road to success for Unimas continues, regardless of who the chancellor or pro-chancellor is. Everything that has been planned in the Strategic Plan 2011-2015 will proceed.

“I am aware of the importance of this need and I will endeavour to assist Unimas. I am confident that it will get the support and cooperation of the state and federal governments,” he said.

The head of state will grace the university’s 18th convocation on Nov 1.

During the convocation, Mohd Taib will award the Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Honorary Doctorate in Human Development and Honorary Doctorate in Creative and Applied Arts to national architect Hijjas Kasturi.

- Bernama