HOPEFUL ABOUT SABAH REPS IN CABINET
Warisan, Sabah PKR leaders optimistic state will get federal representation
LEADERS from Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) and Sabah PKR are hoping to see some Sabah leaders’ names on the federal cabinet list, as the state has yet to be represented.
State Assistant Law and Native Affairs Minister Uda Sulai said the Warisan leadership had presented the names of six members of parliament to be considered for the federal line-up.
Uda, who is Petagas assemblyman, expressed confidence that Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad would not forget Sabah.
“There should not be a problem as many has been appointed previously from this state.
“I hope Dr Mahathir will give us the opportunity as we have joined forces to take down Barisan Nasional in the 14th General Election,” he said after a Kaamatan festival programme at Kampung Kopimpinan here yesterday.
The 14-member Cabinet lineup revealed on Friday did not include representatives from Sabah or Sarawak, but Dr Mahathir said the full cabinet would have at least 25 members.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, who is also Warisan president, has sent a list of Warisan lawmakers to be considered for the federal line-up, including Warisan deputy president and Penampang MP Darell Leiking, Batu Sapi MP Datuk Liew Vui Keong and Silam MP Datuk Mohammad Din Ketepi.
Mohammad Din said he expected the announcement of Sabah leaders in the federal cabinet to be done over the weekend.
“According to Dr Mahathir, he wants these appointments to be settled fast, as well as the swearing in of Dewan Negara members, as they want to draft laws as soon as possible.
“I hope the appointment would follow the previous quota as we had six full ministers from the state, and Sabah folk would like to see this quota adhered to.”
On his name being one of the shortlisted, he said it was normal practice as, ultimately, the people want to see a cabinet line-up with leaders from Sabah.
“It is not my hope, but the people’s. They have high hopes, especially in the Silam parliamentary seat and the three state seats under it, namely Lahad Datu, Tungku and Kunak.”
Putatan MP Awang Husaini Sahari from PKR is confident that Sabah MPs would be given portfolios. “It is still in process, so we will wait,” he said.