KUCHING: The Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) post for Sarawak must be one with power, not as a mere figurehead, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said this in response to Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s proposal to create three DPM posts – one each from Sarawak, Sabah, and Peninsular if the party (BN) wins in the 15th General Election (GE15).

“I welcome the proposal of appointing DPM from Sabah or Sarawak, however, we hope that it is not just a ceremonial post.

“We need the post with certain powers, otherwise it becomes a ceremonial post but with the DPM protocols only.

“That is not what we want. We want a DPM post with power,” he asserted.

He said this when met by the reporter after attending the Diwali celebration hosted by lawyer Shankar Ram at King’s Curry on Monday (Oct 24).

When asked if he had any candidates in mind to serve as DPM from the state, he said , “a candidate can become DPM anytime.

“What is more important is becoming a DPM with power. If you don’t have the power, there is no use of being a DPM since you will only have the protocols.

“Sarawakians do not like protocol. They prefer power (authority),” he said.

Following this, he hinted that in Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) manifesto, there is no mention of including the DPM post from Sarawak in it.

“That proposal is from BN and not GPS. Our manifesto is more on putting Sarawak first,” he clarified.

For the record, Zahid said that BN’s proposal to include three DPMs is not impossible.

“There is nothing wrong with having three DPM. Our neighbour has six,” he said.