By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, March 10: PDP secretary-general Datuk Nelson Balang Rining confirms that it is the party’s decision for its president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing to turn down his federal cabinet appointment as National Unity Deputy Minister.
“We believe that he (Tiong) should not take up the job.
“He has been a senior MP, for five terms. Not only that, he is also the party president. How could they offer him a portfolio like that?
“At least, he (Tiong) should be made a full minister,” Balang told DayakDaily.
Balang also revealed that the decision was made by Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) following a supreme council meeting last night.
Ten of 11 Sarawakian ministers and deputy ministers took their oath of office, allegiance and secrecy before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah at Istana Melawati, Putrajaya today.
However, Tiong who was appointed National Unity Deputy Minister was not present at the swearing-in ceremony. Attempts to reach Tiong were unsuccessful as at press time.
The ministers and deputy ministers took their oaths in batches at the ceremony which began at 3pm, which was also witnessed by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and his wife Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman. — DayakDaily
