KAMAL Salih has quit as the new chairman of the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) chairman, after the state government made known its displeasure over his appointment public.

The former Wangsa Maju MP said it was pointless for him to take up the post after the state said it preferred a local.

“Basically they want a Sarawak native so there is no point placing someone who is not from the state. It is best to give it to someone else. I will submit my letter formally this afternoon. I am sending it to the higher education director-general,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Soon after the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research chairman’s appointment was announced, the Sarawak Chief Minister’s office said it was not consulted on the appointment.

“It is regrettable that the appointment of Kamal Salih has not been referred to the Sarawak government,” the office said in a statement.

It clarified that the Unimas board chairman “has always been appointed after consultation with the state government”, which was the case since the appointment of the first three chairmen – Bujang Mohd Nor, Hatta Solhi and Sulong Matjeraie – all of whom are Sarawakians.

Sarawak is also upset it was not notified officially of the appointment prior to the announcement.

Sulong’s term was cut short on December 20. His term was to expire on April 30.

Sulong, a former Federal Court judge, previously assumed the post on May 1, 2018.

Kamal’s three-year appointment was effective January 1. – January 6, 2020.