Fatimah: Wise move to retain status quo in state cabinet

KUCHING: Minister of Welfare, Women and Community Wellbeing Datuk Fatimah Abdullah has termed Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg’s decision to maintain status quo in the state cabinet as ‘a wise move’.

“It’s actually the same cabinet. Until he (Abang Johari) decides to reshuffle the cabinet and he will tell the media then, it is a wise move,” she said when met by reporters after being sworn in

It’s actually the same cabinet. Until he (Abang Johari) decides to reshuffle the cabinet and he will tell the media then, it is a wise move.

as minister during a ceremony at the State Legislative Assembly Complex here yesterday.

Fatimah said the communities in Sarawak ought to give Abang Johari a chance to lead the state administration.

Asked about PKR’s suggestion that she be appointed as a deputy chief minister, Fatimah said: “That is PKR, and you should ask PKR.”

She was quick to add: “The decision is with the chief minister.”

Upon being told that PKR had hailed her as a leader of high calibre, Fatimah responded: “Thank you.”

Last week, national Wanita PKR vice chief Voon Shiak Ni urged the government to give serious thoughts to women leadership in building Sarawak and Malaysia.

“We hope Sarawak can be the first state to acknowledge women’s contribution by giving a chance to a woman to be the deputy chief minister, the least.

“No one can deny that Fatimah is one who is very close to the people and has a good track record of being a very diligent leader,” added Voon.

Datuk Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Welfare, Women and Community Wellbeing