Chinese community need not worry, says Jeffrey
KOTA KINABALU: The Chinese community in Sabah is assured that they will be looked after even though they do not have a representative in the Sabah cabinet.
Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said they don't need to worry about the matter.
“We will look at all the angles including the Chinese community. No one will be left behind.
“We don't look after only the KDM (Kadazan, Dusun and Murut) or the Bumiputras, but all people,” Jeffrey, who is also Agriculture and Food Industry Minister, said.
He was asked to comment on Barisan Nasional secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa's statement that the Sabah government could not appoint a Chinese minister as none of the candidates siding with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) won in the recent 16th Sabah election.
Nevertheless, under Article 14 of the Sabah constitution, the Head of State has the prerogative to appoint up to six nominated members to the legislative assembly by recommendation of the Sabah government.
Meanwhile, Jeffrey said there is no need to change the name of Agriculture and Food Industry Ministry.
“We will maintain the name,” he said.
“I want to make sure that the kampung people, especially the farmers, fishermen and those involved in agriculture are assisted in terms of raising their income level,” he said.
He said Sabah has a lot of potential in the agriculture sector.
“So obviously our focus will be to activate the potential and to eventually become a key produce of agriculture products and a net exporter.
“And also because of our geographic strategic position in relation to the market, we want to make sure that we become the major key player in this region,” he said.
Jeffrey explained that more will be known once Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Haji Noor announces the new government's halatuju and priorities; and when he is fully briefed by his ministry.