State Cabinet not static, says CM

KUCHING: The State Cabinet will be realigned if the need arises in order to suit Sarawak’s direction and what needs to be implemented.
“Of course, the Cabinet is not static – it will change from time to time in accordance with the situation and needs of the state,” said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He noted that the late Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem had taken six days to set up his new Cabinet whereas he had taken 12 days after Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) won the 12th state election.
“This is because I studied it as closely as possible in terms of composition, racial and ethnic interests, and regional interests. We considered all of these aspects,” he said, adding that Sarawak thus had an inclusive government.
“But what is important is that we must fulfil our promises,” he said at the GPS Appreciation Dinner held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here on Wednesday (Jan 5).
The GPS chairman pointed out that a number of new ministries had been established in the new State Cabinet, explaining that this did not mean he wanted to ‘control everything’ but rather to suit the direction of the state’s development towards 2030.
For instance, he said the former Utilities Ministry had been modified to become the Utility and Telecommunication Ministry due to the current focus on the internet and digital infrastructure.
“So I see that the time has come for us to have a ministry looking after our telecommunication,” said Abang Johari.
He emphasised the importance of training the younger generation to be able to manage well, including in new fields.
“In our journey, we will ask those we have been able to nurture to take over a few important ministries.
“I won’t be here for long because the time will come for me to retire. We have to groom the young so that their approach is consistent with what is needed in the modern world,” he said.
In his speech earlier, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) acting president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum hoped that PRS would be given better representation in the State Cabinet when the chief minister realigns it.
“The chief minister with his wisdom has followed our party seniority and included one minister and four assistant minister posts given to PRS.
“It was very much in line with what we would have suggested, but had we been able to put our views across, maybe (there could be) a slight improvement in terms of representation.
“However, this is only the beginning of the term and we know that with your wisdom, you will fine tune your Cabinet and when you do the realignment, hopefully, PRS will be given better representation,” he said, addressing the chief minister.
He appealed to Abang Johari for PRS to receive representation in tandem with the contributions of the party.
Salang said the inclusiveness of the chief minister would certainly lead towards a good future for Sarawak.
// Ends with pics.