Nanta wants more Dayaks, Chinese as Federal deputy ministers

KUCHING: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi wants more Dayaks and Chinese to be appointed as Federal deputy ministers to reflect united multiracial leaders under the Unity Government administration.

In a statement today, he said ideally, the minority ethnic communities like the Bidayuh, Lun Bawang, Kayan, Kenyah, Melanau and Iban should all be given the opportunity to be involved in this Government.

"Not to be forgotten, Members of Parliament (MPs) from Sarawak's Chinese community should also be given the opportunity to be appointed as Deputy Ministers. This includes candidates from DAP," he said.

He said among MPs who can be considered include Datuk Willie Mongin (Puncak Borneo), Datuk Henry Sum Agong (Lawas), Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib (Mukah), Datuk Anyie Ngau (Baram), Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong (Hulu Rejang) and Datuk Seri Sophia Brodie (Sri Aman).

"Almost all of them had served as Deputy Ministers and one of them had also served as Dewan Negara Deputy President. Therefore, the broad experience of these leaders must be considered to be appointed as Deputy Ministers," he said.

While fully aware that the deputy ministers' appointment was the prerogative of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Nanta said being a Dayak leader in GPS, he is expected to express the sentiments and hopes of this community in Sarawak.

Nanta believed that Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is also the GPS chairman, shared the same view on this matter based on his inclusive style and understanding of the diverse communities in the state.

"Abang Jo's outstanding success in leading Sarawak is due to his inclusive style and flavour and no doubt of his full understanding of the fact that Sarawak is indeed multi-racial, multi-lingual, multi-cultural, multi-religious and a very diverse composition of almost every aspect of the entire Sarawak population.

"I believe in the wisdom of the YAB (the Honorable) Prime Minister in considering this matter. It is my hope that whoever is appointed should take this responsibility with full integrity to ensure that the national economic recovery agenda and the people's wellbeing can be realised successfully," he added.

-- BERNAMA