KUCHING, Aug 27 — The new Cabinet line-up announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today reflects the federal government’s confidence in Sarawak’s leadership especially during these testing times, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Backbenchers Club (BBC) said.
While thanking the Prime Minister for retaining the same number of (GPS) representatives in his administration, the GPS BBC also expressed confidence that the refreshed line-up would be able to deliver and strengthen ties between Sarawak and Putrajaya.
“We fully support the federal government in its endeavour to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic recovery.
“We call on all Malaysians and other political parties to give the new Cabinet the needed room to draft new policies in overcoming Malaysia’s challenges and ensure stability to the nation for everyone’s sake,” it said in a statement here today.
The GPS comprises Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).
Meanwhile, PBB Youth deputy chief and Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman said the re-appointment of Petra Jaya MP Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof as Senior Minister of Works would ensure continuity in Federal infrastructure projects undertaken in Sarawak, in particular the Pan Borneo Highway.
Apart from Fadillah, three other MPs from Sarawak appointed as ministers in the new Cabinet were Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (Prime Minister’s Department – Parliament and Law), Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi (Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs) and Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri (Tourism, Arts and Culture).
Six others who were appointed as deputy ministers were Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib (Prime Minister’s Department – Sabah dan Sarawak Affairs); Datuk Henry Sum Agong (Transport); Datuk Ali Biju (Energy and Natural Resources); Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang (Health); Datuk Hasbi Habibollah (Rural Development) and Datuk Willie Mongin (Plantation Industries and Commodities).
Meanwhile, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) assistant vice-chancellor (Leadership and Development) Prof Datuk Mohd Fadzil Abdul Rahman said Ismail Sabri’s decision not to name a deputy prime minister in his Cabinet was a good move to avoid the emergence squabbles among the participating parties that could lead to a new split.
He said this decision should be maintained at least until the 15th General Election as the current political scene was a little bit fragile.
