By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Dec 2: The appointment of Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi as the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) reflects Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s strong confidence in his leadership and capability to shoulder wider national responsibilities.
Congratulating Nanta on the appointment, which takes effect tomorrow (Dec 3), Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the expanded portfolio entrusted to Works Minister demonstrates the Prime Minister’s trust in his ability to helm two federal ministries simultaneously.
“Congratulations and good luck to Dato Sri Alex on this new position and new responsibility. With this, he has an even bigger responsibility. I also believe it can help more entrepreneurs,” he told the press members at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Complex Media Room today.
Abdul Karim expressed hope that Nanta’s dual roles will translate into greater success that benefits not only Sarawakians but the entire nation.
“As the minister of the federation, you are responsible not just for one region, but for the whole of Malaysia,” he said.
Nanta, who is the Member of Parliament for Kapit, takes over the KUSKOP portfolio following the resignation of Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick earlier this month, after the Attorney-General’s Chambers’ stance on Sabah’s entitlement to 40 per cent of federal revenue.
His appointment comes amid several vacancies in the Madani government’s Cabinet. The Economy and Natural Resources portfolios have remained unfilled since the resignations of Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad in May, with their duties currently handled by Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Ghani.
The post of Investment, Trade and Industry Minister will also become vacant tomorrow when Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz’s term as senator expires. — DayakDaily
