KUCHING, Feb 18: Five new faces were among the 16 political secretaries to the Chief Minister sworn in today before Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today.
Leading the swearing-in ceremony was Tupong assemblyman Fazzruddin Abdul Rahman from Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), who is one of the new faces appointed to the post, along with Damen Rejek.
The other three new faces appointed were Cr Niponi Undek from Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), Susan Clement Ingun from Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Datuk Nelson Balang Rining from Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).
Others reappointed from PBB were Kenil Jaraiie, Victor Temenggong Angang, Romeo Christopher Tegong, Abdul Samat Kethergany, Jenny Bangga, Fridah Osman and Dr Dayang Nurfizawati Abang Abdul Karim.
From SUPP, Tan Kai and Teng Ung Woo were reappointed, while from PRS were Dato Sri Doris Sophia Brodie and Charles Chad Nissom.
Nelson Balang, in conveying his gratitude to Abang Johari for the confidence and trust placed in the appointment, pledged to perform his duties well despite the tough responsibility to serve the people.
“Our job is to disseminate government policies to the rakyat which is crucial as it is important that Sarawakians especially at the grassroots level understand and support the policies,” the PDP secretary-general told DayakDaily when contacted today.
Charles, who is also a PRS Youth member, emphasised that his reappointment provides an opportunity for him to continue assisting party elected representatives in their constituencies, especially in Bidayuh areas.
“I am very grateful for the reappointment by the Chief Minister and not forgetting also, to thank the leaders of PRS for their trust in me,” he said.
Tan from SUPP, on the other hand, saw his reappointment as an important platform to better deliver services to the people.
“I thank the Chief Minister and SUPP president for the trust given to me. I really treasure this opportunity and will work harder for the betterment of people’s lives and that of Sarawak,” he said.
Meanwhile, the appointment of the political secretaries, from among members of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) component parties, is for a term of two years and takes effect from Feb 15.
Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister in the Chief Minister Office Datuk John Sikie Tayai, State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion were among those present. — DayakDaily
