MUKAH: A call for a Sarawakian to be appointed as deputy prime minister (DPM) by many quarters is getting louder following the collapse of the Perikatan Nasional (PN)-led government recently.
The reason is simple – Sarawak along with its neighbour Sabah were founding partners with Malaya in the formation of Malaysia in 1963.
In recent years, Sarawakians have been more aware, knowledgable and sensitive to their rights and powers as stipulated in the Malaysia Agremeent 1963 (MA63).
Mukah Division temenggong Hendi Suhai, 68, is among the many voices hoping for a more developed Sarawak under the new federal Cabinet.
“If it is the aspiration of Sarawakians at large and could be positively arranged, why not, as it is for the good of our country,” the former teacher commented on the DPM post issue on Friday (Aug 20).
A private sector employee, Zainal Abidin Ahmad, 49, also voiced his hope and aspiration for a better Sarawak.
“Hopefully, the idea of having a DPM each from Sarawak and Sabah is considered.
“Fifty-eight years following the formation of Malaysia, it cannot be assumed that there are no qualified candidates for a DPM post from Sarawak.
“Sarawak cannot be treated as fixed deposit forever, and only to be utilised whenever the Malaya-based party is short of numbers.”
He added that times had changed and Sarawak should no longer be treated as if without bargaining power.
