I would like to take this opportunity to extend my warmest congratulation the newly appointed Members of the Cabinet of Malaysia, individuals specially handpicked by Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Sri’ Anwar Ibrahim, to help him in governing the country.

Looking at the current political environment that we are in now, I am sure that this is not an easy task, yet I am hopefully optimistic that each of the ministers, regardless of their political flags as well as skills set, would give their very best to assist the Prime Minister in this daunting task of reviving the country’s economy as well as to face the many challenges following the much anticipated global economic downturn next year.

I am glad to see there is a good mix of old and new faces in the lineup Cabinet, which would created a good work dynamics that could potentially create the powerful synergy to bring Malaysia to greater heights.

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate my old friend YB Datuk Sri Fadillah Yusof for being the first ever Sarawakian to be appointed as the country’s Deputy Prime Minister. This appointment is indeed a significant milestone to the people in both Sarawak and Sabah as it will give us a greater voice, better representation in the federal government administration.

Coupled with the amendments of the Federal Constition relevant to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) last year, having a DPM  from Borneo would help ensure that the special privileges promised upon the formation of Malaysia are honoured and hopefully this will speed up development in both Sabah and Sarawak.

As a former member of the cabinet and wakil rakyat, it is my sincere hope that the newly appointed Ministers will execute their duties with amanah and sincerity. Please put your political interest aside. Your priority is how best to serve the rakyat and to develop the nation under the stewardship of Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim.

To the politicians on the opposite side of the fence, I would like to implore that you give your fullest support  to this new group of executives tasked with running the government. If you must oppose, do it constructively and not vindictively. Be that voice to help make the country better. Please stop the unnecessary politicking.

On that note, under this new era, as the former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law), I hope that the Parliament would be given a more active role in assisting the government to improve laws and policies that would be more relevant in today’s  environment

The parliament should be the venue where MPs, be it from government or opposition, can work together through the Special Select Committee to make the necessary improvements to the existing system, which would benefit the country and the rakyat.

A gentle reminder to all, the rakyat is watching and evaluating…always. When they do speak up, they will do it every five years through their votes. The recent results of the 15th General Election should serve as an eye opener that times are changing and they demand more from politicians.

Again, I would like to congratulate YAB Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim and his Cabinet Ministers for the formation of the new Government of Malaysia.

Yours sincerely,
Dato Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar
Former Santubong Member of Parliament
Former Minister in The Prime Minister’s Department
(Parliament and Law)