KUCHING, Nov 28: Social activist Peter John Jaban is calling on the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government to name more candidates to fill the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) post instead of submitting only one name – Petra Jaya MP Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof.
In a statement today, Peter John said Sarawak proposes the DPM candidates and whether the candidate is appointed or not is Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s prerogative.
He said there are many others who are deserving of the DPM post such as Kapit MP Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi – the grandson of the late Iban paramount chief Tun Datuk Patinggi Temenggong Jugah Barieng, Santubong MP Dato Sri Nancy Shukri who has Malay and Melanau ancestry on her father’s side while her mother has Scottish, Iban and Chinese ancestry, and Serian MP Dato Sri Richard Riot Jaem who is of Bidayuh descent.
“There should be at least three candidates for Anwar to decide who is the appropriate candidate for the job.
“There should be at least one Dayak proposed as DPM. Why the Dayak? It’s because we (the Dayak) have been loyal and strong supporters of the government. The late Tun Jugah played an important role in forming Malaysia as we know now,” he said.
Peter John who is the founder of Saya Anak Sarawak (SAS) further said that his suggestion for the three candidates is not about being racist or politically motivated but a matter of recognition due to the Dayaks’ contribution in Malaysia.
“As least being one of the candidates as DPM is due recognition to the Dayaks in Malaysia. Recognition is due and owed to the Dayaks.
“The three candidates from Sarawak must be multiracial. By submitting only one sole candidate, that means only him (Fadillah),” he added. — DayakDaily
