Warisan submits six names to PH for cabinet posts

KOTA KINABALU: Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) proposed six of its members of parliament (MPs) for the ministerial posts in the Federal government.

Warisan President Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal said among the names listed were Penampang MP and Warisan Deputy president Darell Leiking, Batu Sapi MP Datuk Liew Vui Keong and Silam MP Datuk Mohammad Din Ketapi.

“We have many MPs who are qualified based on their backgrounds. The list of names had been submitted to the Pakatan Harapan (PH) goverment for deliberation,” the Chief Minister said after the swearing-in ceremony for the new State Cabinet and assistant ministers here.

“Apart from leaders from Warisan, I have also requested if those from DAP Sabah could be given consideration by its party headquarters to represent the state in the Federal cabinet,” Shafie added.

Shafie said he would be flying to Kuala Lumpur soon to meet Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and discuss about Warisan’s list.

“I have submitted the names and I will be flying to Kuala Lumpur to deliberate on the party’s list.”

On the new State Cabinet line-up who took their oath of office before Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin on Wednesday night, Shafie said they represented all the parties and various communities.

“They each have their own strength and capabilities to run an effective administration,”he added.

Acting Upko president Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau (Tuaran MP), Sabah Pakatan Harapan Chief Christina Liew (Api-Api) and Parti Warisan Sabah vice-presidents Datuk Jaujan Sambakong (Sulabayan) were named as Deputy Chief Minister.

Tangau, who is nominated into the State Legislative Assembly, will hold the Trade and Industry Ministry, Liew as the Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, while the local Government and Housing Ministry will be held by Jaujan.

Also present were Sabah and Sarawak Chief Judge Tan Sri Richard Malanjum; and State Attorney General Datuk Zaleha Rose Pandin.

Others sworn in as cabinet ministers were Warisan vice presidents Datuk Peter Anthony (Melalap) and Junz Wong (Tanjung Aru); Upko’s Ewon Benedick (Kadamaian), Datuk Dr Yusuf Yaakob (Sindumin), Datuk Aidi Mokhtar (Pantai Manis), Frankie Poon Ming Fung (Tanjung Papat).

Peter was named as the Infrastructure Development Minister, Wong as the Agriculture and Food Industries Minister; Ewon as Rural Development Minister and Poon as Youth and Sports Minister.

Several new portfolios were also introduced including Health and People’s Wellbeing Ministry to be helmed by Sandakan MP Stephen Wong who was also nominated as an assemblyman, Education and Innovation Ministry by Yusofwhile the Legal and Native Affairs Ministry by Aidi.

Eighteen assemblymen were also sworn in as assistant ministers.