New Sarawak deputy minister appointments strengthen state’s federal bargaining power, says analyst
by Churchill Edward · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Dec 16): The appointment of two new deputy ministers from Sarawak, with six others retained, carries a clear political message that the state is strengthening its bargaining position within the federal government, according to socio-political analyst Professor Datuk Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi.
The new faces from Sarawak in the federal Cabinet are Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Mordi Bimol [Democratic Action Party (DAP) Mas Gading MP] and Deputy Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture Chiew Choon Man [Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Miri MP]
Three other Sarawak MPs were reassigned to new portfolios.
Sibuti MP Dato Lukanisman Awang Sauni, previously Deputy Health Minister, has been appointed Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, while Mukah MP Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib moves from her former role as Deputy Economy Minister to become Deputy Health Minister.
Meanwhile, Sarikei MP Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii has been appointed Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister, having previously served as Deputy Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister.
Those who retained their deputy ministerial portfolios are Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong (Digital), Datuk Rubiah Wang (Rural and Regional Development) and Datuk Hasbi Habibollah (Transport).
Awang Azman, who is from Universiti Malaya and a Senior Fellow of the Malaysian National Academy, said the latest federal Cabinet reshuffle should not be viewed merely as an increase in numbers, but as a deeper integration of Sarawakian leaders into the federal executive structure, particularly through portfolios closely linked to public welfare and economic interests such as health, foreign affairs, plantations and commodities, as well as youth and sports.
“This reflects Sarawak’s upgrading of its political standing in Putrajaya,” he said, adding that the move positions the state as a more strategic participant in federal decision-making rather than a passive contributor.
Awang Azman noted that from the perspective of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s political signalling to Sabah and Sarawak, the appointments send a strong message that the Unity Government is intent on maintaining the support of the Borneo bloc.
“Sarawak is being positioned as a strategic partner in political stability. The Borneo bloc remains pivotal to parliamentary durability and to the overall balance of Malaysia’s political system,” he said.
He described the inclusion of Sarawak DAP figure in the person of Mordi and Sarawak PKR figure (Chiew) as the most sensitive aspect of the reshuffle.
The PKR and DAP are major components of the federal Madani unity government but opposition parties at state level.
However, the professor cautioned against interpreting this as a political victory over Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
“Deputy ministerial appointments are federal prerogatives. They do not represent state-level electoral mandates or executive authority,” he explained.
At the same time, Awang Azman said the appointments reflect political recognition and accommodation of Sarawak Pakatan Harapan, particularly DAP, with the implicit aim of strengthening PH’s presence in the state ahead of the Sarawak state election expected toward the end of next year.
He added that the move also projects an inclusive governance approach by the Prime Minister, signalling a willingness to transcend the conventional divide between state governments and opposition parties, especially in engaging Bumiputera constituencies.
From a political management standpoint, Awang Azman said GPS is unlikely to respond confrontationally, but will instead reinforce a performance-based narrative centred on governance, delivery and administrative competence.
“While DAP may hold symbolic federal positions, GPS retains state power, institutional control and a proven delivery record. The contest, therefore, will be one of narrative dominance rather than any transition of power within Sarawak,” he said.
He concluded that the political manoeuvre serves two strategic objectives simultaneously – strengthening Sarawak’s standing within the federal framework, while advancing the Prime Minister’s broader strategy of securing Borneo support as a key anchor of national stability.