By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Mar 9: Sarawakian MPs have been appointed to lead some crucial ministries and these MPs must make it count.
Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi reminded his federal cabinet counterparts that they are serving the whole Malaysia and not just Sarawak.
“Of course, we all hope for ministries that can best help Sarawak. If you were to see it from the positive perspective, every portfolio given to us are meaningful as we can bring development to Sarawak through our service in these ministries,” said the Kapit MP, who was appointed Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister.
Citing his own portfolio, he said the ministry was crucial as it deals with prices of goods and the issue of inflation and cost of living, which affects everybody’s life on a daily basis.
On the appointment of Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri as Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, he said this was also a crucial area as the minister can make sure that Sarawak is not being neglected in the country’s effort to promote tourism to other parts of the world.
“Furthermore, we are so multiracial and multicultural, we have a lot to showcase to the world in terms of arts and culture, and Nancy will be the perfect person to introduce Sarawak to the world.”
Nanta pointed out that it was most suitable for Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof to be appointed as Works Minister because the latter can make sure that there will be no delay in the completion of the Pan Borneo Highway, a project much needed for Sarawakians and Sabahans.
As for Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar’s appointment as the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister, he said the appointment means better cooperation between Sarawak and the federal government, where the ministry can provide much needed help for Sarawak to achieve its digital economy transformation agenda.
“All the appointments are good and meaningful, and we must take full advantage of it and use the position to further help Sarawak to develop,” he said.
On his own appointment, Nanta said he appreciated the confidence both Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Chief Minister Abang Johari Tun Openg have given him.
“I feel that it is a very challenging ministry especially in dealing with prices of goods and cost of living. I will do my best but I know I will need to rely on the assistance and cooperation from all the civil service personnel and the officers in the ministry.
“I hope to continue with the good policies that are already in place and see what are the areas to be improved,” he continued.
As many as 11 Sarawakian MPs have been appointed to the new cabinet of Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today. Nine out of the 18 MPs are from the state-ruling GPS.
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) leads the appointments with seven lawmakers, followed by one each from Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).
The seven PBB lawmakers are Nanta, Fadillah (Petra Jaya), Wan Junaidi (Santubong), Nancy (Batang Sadong), Datuk Henry Sum Agong (Lawas), Datuk Hanifah Taib (Mukah) and Hasbi Habibolldah (Limbang).
PRS is represented by its supreme council members Datuk Aaron Dagang (Kanowit) who is Deputy Health Minister while Progressive Democratic Party president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (Bintulu) completes the list by his appointment as National Unity Deputy Minister. — DayakDaily
