PRS chief hails Abang Johari over Snowdan appointment

KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg has been hailed as a leader who listens to the needs and aspirations of the people following the appointment of Balai Ringin assemblyman Snowdan Lawan as an assistant minister.

Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing said PRS, as a BN component party, had requested for an additional assistant minister’s post soon after the last state election as its number of seats had increased from nine to 11.

“So the appointment of YB Snowdan Lawan as Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports is very appropriate as he is young and very enthusiastic about sports,” Masing told thesundaypost following yesterday’s cabinet reshuffle.

With the appointment of Snowdan, PRS now has four assistant minsters, the other three being Datuk John Sikie Tayai, Liwan Lagang and Malcolm Mussem Lamoh.

“The appointment of these four is very appropriate with their capabilities. Their appointment is like putting a square peg into a square hole,” he stressed.

On his own Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Transportation, Masing said he was happy that he will have two capable assistants in Datuk Julaihi Narawi, who is the new Assistant Minister for Coastal Highway, and Datuk Dr Jerip Susil as Assistant Minster of Transport.

“Both of them are very experienced and capable assistant ministers. So I’m very excited about getting to work with them,” said Masing.

When contacted, Snowdan said he was taken by surprise upon hearing the news of his appointment.

“I would like to thank both the Chief Minister and my party president for their trust in me. On my part, I will try to discharge my duties to my level best to assist our youths and the development of sports in the state,” said the three-term assemblyman.

Snowdan said his appointment was also recognition for his party in the state government as well as the people he has been serving.

“With the guidance of the Almighty, I hope that I will be able to discharge my duties well,” he added.

Meanwhile, Liwan said his new appointment as Assistant Minister of Water Supplies gives him the opportunity to work with Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.

Prior to this, Liwan was Assistant Minister of River Transportation and Safety.