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Give Sarawak important portfolios other than DPM post

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Datuk Jonathan Chai

KUCHING: Sarawak should be given more important portfolios in addition to the deputy prime minister’s position in the new federal cabinet, said Sarawak Business Federation secretary-general Datuk Jonathan Chai.

Welcoming Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s immediate action to address the high cost of living he hoped there will be sufficient representation in the new cabinet lineup.

“Not only the position of deputy prime minister, (but also) certain important portfolios like the Works, Rural Development, Health and even Education should be allocated to representatives from GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak).

“Pending the devolution of autonomy for health and education to Sarawak, it would be appropriate for Sarawakians to hold the posts during the transitional period so that the process of devolution could be expedited and carried out smoothly,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.

He was airing the hopes of the business community in terms of the new federal cabinet, which Anwar has yet to name.

Chai hoped it would comprise members with the requisite professional qualification and experience.

He emphasised that new federal cabinet members should also have no controversial background and should not be involved in any ongoing court cases.

“As our Prime Minister has already indicated, cabinet appointments are not a reward for supporting the unity government, and he wants ministers who will support him based on his policies and who are committed to good governance, anti-corruption and economic recovery.

“If he really meant what he said, we can expect a reasonably good cabinet for the unity government,” he added.

Chai asserted that he supports Anwar’s decision to reduce the size of the cabinet, and said it’s high time for the new government to put a stop to unnecessary wastage of public money.

“We don’t need a bloated cabinet with over 30 ministers.

“Ideally, it could be reduced to below 25 and possibly with the merger of certain ministries like Education and Higher Education, as well as the elimination of a number of ministers in the Prime Minister’s Department.

“In addition, we don’t really need any special envoys to different regions of the world, as those trade and investment matters can be handled by the Ministry of International Trade,” he pointed out.

He stressed that a good and inclusive cabinet with calibre members will definitely enhance the confidence of the business community as well as foreign investors.