KUCHING, May 23: Sarawak Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (DAPSY) is urging Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to create another deputy prime minister (DPM) post to represent East Malaysia in the federal government.
Its publicity secretary Abdul Aziz Isa suggested state Pakatan Harapan chairman Chong Chieng Jen be appointed as the DPM II in the second batch of federal cabinet appointments which is due to be revealed soon.
Aziz said it is high time for an East Malaysian to be appointed as DPM II since the formation of Malaysia in 1963.
“I strongly recommended Chong as the latter is a seasoned politician who has vast experience in politics since he first got elected to Parliament in 2004,” said Abdul Aziz in a press statement yesterday.
He pointed out that DAP contributed the second largest number of Parliament seats for Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the 14th general election with 42 MPs after Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
He added that PH would not have come to power without the seats contributed by their East Malaysian allies: Sabah (6) and Sarawak (10) together with Parti Warisan Sabah (8) and independents (2) from Sarawak (whom later joined PKR).
Chong who is the state DAP chairman, is also the MP for Stampin and state assemblyman for Kota Sentosa.
Abdul Aziz said since Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Ismail from PKR has been appointed as the country’s first female DPM and Amanah has no elected representatives from Sabah and Sarawak, thus it makes sense to have a DAP representative to be DPM II.
“Previously, the (former) Barisan Nasional (BN) government promised to create a DPM II post for East Malaysia in 2015 but they never appointed anyone, causing great frustration among East Malaysians. By doing so, PH will be able to restore the pride that had been eroded by the previous BN ‘divide and rule’ regime for decades.
“Chong has proven himself with his track record, strong character, and principles and is well-known among East Malaysians for being vocal and consistent in his struggle to bring change for Sabah and Sarawak in Parliament.
“I believe Chong will be able to perform more with his capacity as DPM II to reclaim Sabah and Sarawak’s rights as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and the Federal Constitution,” Abdul Aziz added. — DayakDaily
