Sarawak respects PM's decision, no full minister from Sarawak - Rundi

Barisan Nasional (BN) and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) respect Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's decision not to appoint a member of Parliament from Sarawak as full minister in his cabinet reshuffle yesterday.

Sarawak BN secretary Datuk Stephen Rundi Utom, who is also PBB secretary general, said the state coalition did present their case for Kapit MP Datuk Alexander Linggi to represent the party and fill the slot vacated by Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah.

"But Sarawak BN acknowledged that the appointment of ministers is the prerogative of the prime minister. He has explained the rationale of his cabinet reshuffle and we respect his decision and stand steadfastly behind his leadership.

"And it is our ardent hope that he will include us in his bigger reshuffle in the near future and thank him for appointing Datuk Henry Sum Agong as Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Deputy Minister," Rundi told Bernama.

Meanwhile, Sarawak BN Backbenchers Club chairman Abdullah Saidol congratulated Henry on his appointment.

Following the cabinet reshuffle, he anticipated serious deliberation amongst the Sarawak rural communities which had been hoping for the appointment as full minister, of a rural representative from the middle zone of Sarawak.

"As I said before, BN's big win in the state election should not be taken for granted by the federal government because if many promises are not fulfilled, this issue will be a pertinent political propaganda by the opposition in the next parliamentary election and this time it's going to be tough to counter," said Abdullah.

Henry, who is Lawas Member of Parliament created history for his Lun Bawang community by becoming the latter's first leader to be appointed as a deputy minister in the federal cabinet.