By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, Nov 24: A Sarawak minister holding multiple portfolios is comparable to a doctor who is ‘ngapui’ (responsible for treating multiple illnesses), said Kalaka assemblyman Mohamad Duri as he expressed support for the Constitution of the State of Sarawak (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
Speaking during the debate on the Constitution of the State of Sarawak (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Mohamad Duri said the amendment is timely and necessary as Sarawak’s administrative responsibilities continue to expand in scope and complexity.
He likened the Cabinet to a modern hospital, to be staffed by specialists who focus on specific fields to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
“When tasks are more specialised, ministries are able to deepen their focus, speed up decision-making and reduce bureaucracy,” he said while debating the bill, which was tabled by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abang Abdul Karim, at the Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
He noted that Sarawak currently has 10 full ministers and 26 deputy ministers, a structure he described as increasingly inadequate.
“It is timely for the (Sarawak) government to do something appropriate and significant for administrative efficiency,” said Mohamad Duri.
According to him, specific portfolios can be backed by professional teams with expertise in areas such as green economy, digital transformation, food security, technical education, AI, climate adaptation and regional development.
Kalaka rep stressed that the increase in Cabinet members should not be viewed as unnecessary spending.
“I must emphasise that this is an investment in the future and should not be seen from a wasteful perspective.”
Mohamad Duri also said a larger Cabinet allows better representation across Sarawak’s diverse communities, which in turn promotes unity and inclusivity.
He pointed out that the Federal Government has also split large ministries to focus on specific responsibilities, such as separating the Education Ministry (MOE) and Higher Education Ministry (MoHE), as well as restructuring Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and the former Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment & Climate Change (MESTECC) into more focused entities. — DayakDaily
