BETONG: The state Cabinet’s minor reshuffle was more than just filling the post of Second Finance Minister and other posts that became vacant following the resignation of PSB president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh towards the end of last month.
True, the appointment of the new Second Finance Minister took centre stage when it happened last Thursday, but it was actually just a pause, a sort of pitstop, to borrow a term from the world of car racing.
In other words it is a brief time for adjustment and preparation for the planned rapid implementation of various projects — big and small — to turn Sarawak into a developed state in Malaysia by 2030.
In commenting on the matter, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth chief Gerald Rentap Jabu said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg wanted to make sure Sarawak was on the right track.
The word “second” in Second Finance Minister is almost a misnomer and could give the common man a notion that the person holding the post plays second fiddle to the First Finance Minister.
That is far from the truth, and the state’s ambition must not be derailed. Hence, the chief minister had to make sure that he appointed the right person to carry the burden left behind by Wong.
Enter Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas!
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg made him the first ever Dayak in Sarawak’s modern history to hold the post.
In all this, the PBB Youth movement is fully supportive of the new leadership of the administration and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
“I expect the new team to continue the development march forward and to fight for Sarawak’s interests regardless of race and religion,” said Rentap, who is also Layar assemblyman, when met by reporters yesterday.
He pointed out that what is important is the support of a majority of Sarawakians to make the state’s development progress fast, more vibrant and orderly.
“The state government wants to increase import and export, growth of the oil and gas industry, modernisation of the agricultural sector, urban development and transportation systems, tourism sector development, and development of the arts, culture, youth and sports,” he said.
