CM on issue of representatives for official govt events

KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the issue of who are the representatives for official government events shouldn't trump the content of helping and managing what is important to the people.

“I don't want to deal with that. That is not important. The important thing is that it is running. The important thing is the audience there, the officiating, the work is done. We will take a look at the situation but what is important is that the people's assistance has been delivered (during the ceremony).

“Sometimes there are some that could not attend because of matters that might be unavoidable. I too must have the some details as I am not sure. The important thing to us is the country's administration. The important way for us is help the rakyat.

“If the person can be the representative, if the organizer can accept, it is not a problem. Why should we bother if the organizer wants it because the situation is unavoidable, or an emergency. You cannot tell people to attend.

“But we are mindful if the matter happens and we will ensure that in the future, there must be a representative. If the minister, the assistant minister will attend. But maybe there is an emergency and the organizers have requested. It's okay so long it is done properly. “It is not that the person has power, just representing. If it is a matter of having the power to sign things, giving approval, the wife announced that she has approved it, that is not right,” he reasoned.

On October 28, Law and Native Affairs minister Datuk Aidi Moktar was heavily criticized on social media for sending his wife, Datin Faridah Mohamed, to represent him in the 10th SMK Majakir Papar pre-university graduation officiating ceremony at Pacific Sutera Harbour Resort.