KUCHING: The minor state cabinet reshuffle by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg on Thursday was done to strengthen his cabinet, said a political analyst. Datuk Peter Minos said apart from filling the vacant post left by Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) president Datuk Sri Wong Soon Koh who resigned last month, the chief minister also took the opportunity to strengthen his cabinet in facing the Sarawak election due in 2021.
Thus, Minos said the appointment of Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah as Minister of Finance II was a recognition of Uggah’s long experience at federal cabinet level and also his long and solid reputation as a serious worker.
“Also, someone has to help the chief minister with the heavy and tedious job at the finance ministry and Uggah fits the bill,” Minos told New Sarawak Tribune yesterday. Another Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar AwangTengah Ali Hasan, was given the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development.
Minos acknowledged that Awang Tengah is very serious and keen on seeing foreign investors and enticing them to come to Sarawak with their capital and expertise. “The billion-dollar Chinese investment in an oil and gas processing plant in Lawas is said to be Awang Tengah’s initiative – a project that will create jobs and incomes as well as profits and boost the economy of the town.
“That was one big effort and initiative and, if replicated in other parts of Sarawak, that will be very great,” Minos pointed out.
Minos added that Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) must be happy with the promotion of Datuk Lee Khim Shin from Assistant Minister of Tourism to full minister (Transportation). Known to be assertive, Lee would do well in improving the transport system in Sarawak, a system that needed some overhaul, as towns and cities are getting bigger by the year.
“Take Kota Samarahan for example, its transport system needs upgrading through LRT or ART or whatever and I think Lee can do it,” he said.
SUPP also benefitted from the reshuffle by getting an assistant minister post through party secretary-general Datuk Sebastian Ting. On the appointment of the new State Secretary Datuk Jaul Sameon, Minos described him as a man of long experience in administration and public service, who would make a good state secretary.
“Being calm and cool in all situations and mind you, the job of the top man in the civil service is very tough and highly demanding. “He cannot afford to lose his cool under any circumstance, for thousands under him and the general public are watching and observing.”
