Fatimah expects new federal cabinet members from Sarawak to ‘walk the talk’

KUCHING: Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah has congratulated Selangau MP Baru Bian and Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen for their appointment as the federal Works Minister and Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumerism, respectively.

Nevertheless, she expressed disappointment over the number of representation from Sarawak in the federal cabinet.

“I feel a bit disappointed – compared with the (previous) Barisan Nasional-led government, the number from Sarawak was bigger. Despite this, I hope these two ( Baru and Chong) would carry out their responsibilities well; ‘walk the talk’ as promised when they were still in the opposition, and voice out Sarawak concerns,” she told reporters at her office yesterday.

Additionally, Fatimah viewed the Works Ministry as important to Sarawak compared with other states especially concerning road connectivity in the rural areas.

“I’m sure he (Baru) knows the situation in Sarawak, and he will give the right focus on Sarawak,” she said, hoping that Baru would continue the good work of the previous minister.

On Chong, Fatimah expressed her hope for the prices of goods in the rural areas would not be higher than those in the urban areas.

This is because the poverty rate in the rural areas is higher and in this is an area that should be focused on, she said.

Additionally, Fatimah hoped to see clear guidelines and policies on intergovernmental, departmental and agency matter, as there are certain things that should not be politicised.

On this, she singled out the ‘Seeds Reading’ programme with Pustaka Negeri, which is currently being put on hold. This programme should be allowed to be carried out as it benefits Sarawakians, she said.

It is learnt that ‘Seeds Reading’ – a programme that aims to inculcate the reading habit in young children – is supposed to be held today (July 3).

“I feel that we really lose out on this programme, which aims to produce quality Sarawakians.

“Pustaka Negeri has published a book to be distributed to women who give birth at hospitals or health clinics; (a book) which has local content and suitable for the age group of babies that mothers can read it to them to give the children a head start.”

Fatimah said she had asked the Federal Secretary about the origin of the directive for the programme to be put on hold.

“What I’m trying to say is there must be a clear policy or guideline, which is uniformed.

“But at the end of the day, the ones who really lose out are Sarawakians.”