Analyst: PM sending message to GPS with appointments of PH Sarawak deputy ministers
by Churchill Edward · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Dec 17): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s decision to appoint two Sarawakians from Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sarawak as deputy ministers has been described as a “message” to Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
Mas Gading MP Mordi Bimol, who has been appointed Deputy Youth and Sports Minister, is a Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak vice-chairman, while Miri MP Chiew Choon Man, who is Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, is a Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice youth chief.
Political analyst Datuk Prof Dr Jayum Jawan opined that Anwar, who is PH chairman, is giving a boost to both the DAP and PKR in Sarawak ahead of the next state polls, which is widely expected next year.
“These appointments sent chills down the spine of Gabungan Parti Sarawak, especially Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB); it has some hidden meaning and message I think,” he told The Borneo Post.
According to him, with the appointments, DAP and PKR will now find it easier to promote their parties in the state.
The Institute of Borneo Studies adjunct professor at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) opined that with the possibility of 17 new state seats being gazetted, it would not be a surprise if PH asks for some seats to contest, in addition to what they already have.
Currently PH only holds two state constituencies through DAP – Padungan (Chong Chieng Jen) and Pending (Violet Yong).
Other Sarawakians in the federal Cabinet who saw a change in portfolio in the reshuffle announced yesterday were Sarikei MP Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii, who is now Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities; Sibuti MP Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, who is now Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Mukah MP Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib, who is now Deputy Minister of Health.