KUCHING: Political observer Datuk Peter Minos has lauded Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob for having Sarawak MPs back in the new Federal Cabinet.
He said the number of Sarawak MPs appointed, especially those from Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS), were the same as in the former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s Cabinet.
“This shows the appreciation and recognition of GPS’ role and contribution to the Perikatan Nasional (PN) federal government,” he said on Saturday (Aug 28).
On Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof’s reappointment as the Senior Works Minister, he said it was the best choice.
“Sarawak badly needs more roads. The Pan Borneo Highway needs completion. Thus Fadillah will do it,” he said.
Minos added the appointment of Datuk Hasbi Habibollah as the Deputy Minister of Rural Development would be good for the state’s rural development.
The Rural Development Ministry, he added, would be allocated with a lot of funds which would be channelled to the villages for development purposes.
“Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri; and Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi, who also got back their previous portfolios, will continue to do their best for Sarawak.
“Moreover, for Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who is the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law), it is a tough job, but with his sharp legal mind, he will excel.
“As I see it, the federal Cabinet is alright … Cannot ask for more from our new prime minister.
“He is under great pressure, requests, demands and strains from Umno, Bersatu, and Pas for ministerial positions.
“Ismail cannot just please everyone. He has to balance things out. For Sarawak, we just say thank you and feel grateful,” he said.
Minos added that it was important for the new federal government to focus on solving Covid-19 problems and simultaneously, reviving and improving the country’s economy.
“The past negative politicking and the bad political habit of digging dirt and faults as well as liberally criticising just to shake and rattle the government including the agitating the people must go.
“It is high time for political peace to get our Malaysian house in order under the Malaysian Family approach,” he said.
