By Azmie Lim
Lahad Datu folk happy its two elected reps appointed assistant ministers
LAHAD DATU: Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) candidates for the Lahad Datu and Tungku state seats who won in the 14th general election (GE14) were appointed assistant ministers in the newly-formed State cabinet on Wednesday.
Dumi Pg Masdal won the Lahad Datu state seat after defeating incumbent, Datuk Mohd Yusof Apdal from Barisan Nasional (BN) with a 2,932 votes majority.
The former police officer was appointed as assistant minister of Rural Development, a post previously held by former Kunak assemblyman, Datuk Nilwan Kabang.
Meanwhile, Assafal P Alian, who won the Tungku state seat, was appointed as assistant minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment.
Assafal, who holds a Masters in Business Administration qualification from UNITAR won the seat after defeating three other candidates in GE14.
When contacted, Assafal said that being an assistant minister means he needs to work harder to serve the people, not only here in Tungku but throughout the state.
Assafal said, his position was a good platform to further boost the potential of this state in term of tourism and culture.
Meanwhile, the appointment of two people's representative from this area have received positive responses from the rakyat here.
Azmi Aziz, 27, when interviewed, said, he hoped this area will be rapidly developed with the appointment of the two assistant ministers from this district.
Azmi said, it is undeniable that the previous leader and government has brought some development to this area. However, more efforts need to be done to give a comfortable life to the people in this area.
“I hope with the elected representatives appointed as assistant ministers, they will work hard to help the people and develop the area here,” Azmi added.
The appointment of the two ministers from this area is expected to further develop this area so that it can be at par with the other areas.
Mohd Isham Jukli, a 27-yearold supervisor, said, while carrying out their duties as an assistant ministers, the elected representatives should also put more efforts for the people in this area.
Isham said, he hoped the new government will work hard, not only to fulfill their promises but to also develop the state for the well-being of the people.