CM yet to announce new BNBBC chairman, chief pol-sec

KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg has not yet decided on the appointment of the new chief political secretary and Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club ( BNBBC) chairman.

This was disclosed by Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Corporate Affairs) Abdullah Saidol who believed the appointment for the two posts would be finalised soon.

“I don’t know when it will be... probably as soon as possible. It’s his (Abang Johari) prerogative,” he told reporters when met after the opening ceremony of the first session of the second term of the 18th State Legislative Assembly sitting yesterday.

Abdullah, who formerly held the two posts, said the BNBBC chairman must be knowledgeable in rules, debate and so on.

“He or she must have the courage to make a stand and debate with the opposition. Of course, you have to be sensitive and alert to political issues and other things as well,” he said.

On his new role as assistant minister in charge of corporate affairs, the Semop assemblyman said he had not been informed in detail on his duties yet.

“In general, it may involve the state government’s corporate matters be it on government agencies or new initiatives with regards to digital economy and a few other things. It will mostly be about corporate issues the government has an interest in.”

On the gathering of around 40 members of Sarawak for Sarawakians ( S4S) group at Kuching Waterfront here yesterday expressing their support for Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How’s Citizens Initiated Referendum ( CIR) proposal to be moved in the DUN sitting, Abdullah said he had no problem with the gathering so long as it complied with the law.

“I have no problem with that as long as their gathering follows the law and matters arising are not too sensitive in terms of racial unity.

“I think we should observe the spirit of democracy of it and they have the right to voice out what they want. But whether it’s correct or not, it’s another issue,” he said.

On whether the motion will be tabled, Abdullah said there would be those who would support it and those who won’t.

“We can’t please everybody so we’ll see what happens to the motion tomorrow (today).”