Creation of another DPM post viable — Don

KUCHING: The idea of creating another post of a deputy prime minister is viable as it will create a balancing act to enhance the rural and regional development of the country.

According to a political observer Associate Professor Dr Jeniri Amit, the idea of a second deputy prime minister’s post should not only focus on Sarawak and Sabah but also to look at the affairs of rural development for the whole country.

Jeniri, a former journalist, said the federal government could take the cue from Sarawak which has three deputy chief ministers.

“I agree with the suggestion to create another deputy prime minister’s post. The person must not only look after Sarawak and Sabah only but he or she must also look after the whole nation especially the rural and regional development,” Jeniri said when contacted yesterday.

He added that the creation of such post would auger well for other BN component parties, especially PBB, as it has been able to command strong support from the people of Sarawak.

“The creation of a second deputy prime minister’s post must be agreed upon by all BN component parties. If all agree, then it shows that Umno is sincere in the power- sharing concept, and this will augur well for both Sarawak and Sabah which are now seeking greater autonomy from KL,” said Jeniri.

As a fixed deposit state, it’s high time for the federal government under Umno to recognise Sarawak as a reliable partner in governing the country.

“Sarawak has never failed the federal government in any elections. So it’s high time that the federal government created a deputy prime minister post from Sarawak,” said Jeniri.

Jeniri was commenting on Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu ( PBB) Batu Kawa branch’s chairman Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim who has called for the creation of an additional deputy prime minister’s post to be filled by any non- Umno leaders from either Sarawak or Sabah.

Ahmad said the branch was hoping that BN would consider creating an additional one, or even two DPM posts specifically for non- Umno leaders.

“One of these DPM posts should be a leader from Sarawak,” Ahmad said.

He also implied that PBB should be given the additional DPM post as it has the second highest number of parliamentary seats, after Umno.

During the triennial general meeting ( TGM) held on Dec 24, Ahmad was re- elected PBB Batu Kawah branch chairman defeating Nerawi Salleh 39-2.