KUCHING: The appointment of Petra Jaya MP Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof as the first ever Sarawakian to be the country’s deputy prime minister will give Sarawak more say and have stronger representation in the federal government.
In stating this, former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar also said this was a historic moment for the people in Sarawak.
“Coupled with Fadillah’s portfolio as Plantation and Commodity Minister, I am optimistic of seeing more exciting development taking place that will benefit the people in Sarawak and Sabah and put us on an equal footing with the states in Semenanjung,” he said in a statement today.
On the appointment of Kapit MP Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi as the Works Minister, Wan Junaidi said it gives him hope that adequate focus will be given on the overall development in Sarawak and Sabah.
“When I was in the cabinet, many times I had voiced out my views on the importance of having a representative from either Sarawak or Sabah for this ministry simply because it is time that we too enjoy the same development in Semenanjung.
“The development of Malaysia has been too Semenanjung centric, Kuala Lumpur centric to be exact. Compared to other states in Semenanjung, we are very much left behind in terms of basic infrastructure namely connectivity, schools, hospitals, electricity as well as phone and internet services.
“More than 50 per cent of the people in Borneo are still living in rural areas. It is hoped that having a Borneo MP to lead this ministry would bring in the much needed infrastructure development to Sabah and Sarawak – as promised in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) pact,” he pointed out.
As for Santubong MP Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri who has been appointed as the Women, Family and Community Development Minister, Wan Junaidi said the latter’s experience as well as work dedication would certainly enable Nancy to execute the task at hand well.
“I have known you (Nancy) for a long time, even outside the political area. The country would benefit greatly from having you leading the ministry, not just because of your credentials and experience, but also because of your passion, dedication and most importantly heart in carrying out your duties to serve the people,” he said.
On Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing’s appointment as the Tourism Minister, Wan Junaidi said tourism is one of the country’s main revenue earners and he hoped that Tiong would be able to revive the country’s tourism sector in this post-COVID-19 era.
“The two states in Borneo have many potential and hidden gems. Hopefully, we can count on you to further boost the tourism sector in this part of the nation, in a holistic and sustainable manner,” he said.
As for Kanowit MP Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang who has been appointed as the National Unity Minister, Wan Junaidi said he feels that having a Sarawakian to head this portfolio is spot on as the latter representing Sarawak certainly can share the experience on how to live harmoniously, despite differences in culture and religion.
“I would like to congratulate the five Sarawak MPs on their appointment as Cabinet Ministers in the newly formed government, helmed by the 10th Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“I am indeed happy to see that these elected representatives are given senior portfolios in the Cabinet and I hope that this, in turn, would significantly contribute towards giving us a stronger representation as well as to further develop the state,” said Wan Junaidi, who is also the former Santubong MP.
