PH’s Sarawak deputy ministers reflect regional representation, not just politics, says analyst
by Samuel Aubrey · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Dec 17): The recent appointment of two Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders from Sarawak as deputy ministers under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim carries both political and symbolic significance, says analyst Prof Dr Novel Lyndon.
The political sociology professor at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) said the Cabinet reshuffle reflects a deliberate effort to stabilise and strengthen PH amid structural uncertainties within the coalition, while signalling greater inclusion of Sarawak voices at the federal level.
“The reshuffle should not be viewed merely as an administrative exercise, but as a calculated political response to the realities of coalition governance shaped by strong regional sensitivities,” he said in a statement.
One key appointment highlighted by Dr Novel is Mas Gading MP Mordi Bimol of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) as Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports.
The Bidayuh leader’s appointment carries strong symbolic weight, particularly in acknowledging indigenous representation from Sarawak at the centre of federal power.
“The move also challenges long-standing perceptions of DAP as a party largely confined to West Malaysia and urban constituencies.
“For indigenous communities that have historically experienced political marginalisation, such representation serves as an important gesture of recognition within the federal structure,” he added.
Dr Novel also cited the appointment of Miri MP Chiew Choon Man from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) as equally significant.
He noted that PKR has traditionally struggled to compete with Sarawak-based parties that are strongly rooted in regional identity politics.
“Bringing a Sarawak-based PKR figure into the federal executive signals more than individual political advancement.
“It demonstrates the party’s continued commitment to Sarawak as a politically significant and contested space within Malaysia’s broader coalition landscape,” he said.
Additionally, the appointment of PKR Sabah chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud as minister responsible for Sabah and Sarawak affairs was seen as a move to reassure East Malaysian supporters and demonstrate PH’s sensitivity to regional concerns.
Dr Novel emphasised, however, that the political symbolism of these appointments has its limits.
“Without tangible policy progress ― particularly on issues such as the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), fiscal autonomy, and addressing developmental inequalities between East and West Malaysia ― these appointments risk being seen as elite rotation rather than meaningful change,” he said.
He added that for the Anwar administration, incorporating East Malaysian figures into the Cabinet strengthens PH’s territorial legitimacy and internal coherence, but the effectiveness of this strategy ultimately depends on translating symbolism into real policy outcomes.