Non-Sabahan appointed assemblyman based on DAP's request – Shafie

The decision to appoint Sabah Democratic Action Party (DAP) treasurer Loh Ee Eng, a non-Sabahan, as a nominated assemblyman was based on the party's request, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Shafie Apdal.

Former Parti Keadilan Sabah (PKR) Sabah executive secretary A Rashid Yusof had questioned the appointment of Loh, who originated from Penang, as a nominated assemblyman.

“The appointment is based on the party's request, not individual request. The member could be residing here for a long time and not considered a Sabahan, but he is regarded as a party member. The allocation (for a nominated assemblyman) is for the DAP, so we asked them to nominate a candidate that they wanted,” explained Shafie after chairing Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) supreme council meeting here yesterday.

Shafie meanwhile welcomed news of the restructuring of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) to cut costs.

“We welcome whatever proposal, whether it involves cutting costs, what is more important is the effectiveness of the role of ESSCom in Sabah,” he said.

Shafie said he was aware of the proposed changes and the State Government would do its best to cooperate with the Federal Government in this matter.

“We will give full support, where necessary, because security is important," he said.

It was reported that Putrajaya would keep the six-year-old ESSCom but would put it through a restructuring programme to cut costs.