SANDAKAN – Former Sabah chief minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak may be among the five sworn in to the state cabinet on Thursday, with his portfolio being tourism, sources told The Vibes.
A source said the former federal communications minister’s experience will greatly benefit Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor’s Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government.
“However, I was made to understand that Salleh’s name had been scrapped from the chief minister’s final list. But anything is possible, and his name may be included again.”
The Sabah Information Department confirmed that a swearing-in ceremony for ministers has been scheduled for Thursday at the state palace.
Another ceremony, for assemblymen, will be conducted at the state assembly on Friday morning.
Political analyst Lee Kuok Tiung of Universiti Malaysia Sabah said the state cabinet selections are an opportunity for Bersatu man Hajiji and Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin of Umno to tighten their grip on power.
More appointments will be made for nominated assemblymen and other cabinet posts with this in mind, he said.
“But I hope neither Bung Moktar nor Hajiji will practise favouritism by appointing more from their constituencies of Kinabatangan and Tuaran.”
Hajiji is assemblyman for Sulaman under the Tuaran federal seat, while Bung Moktar is Lamag rep and Kinabatangan MP.
All eyes are on the chief minister’s cabinet picks to see whether women and the Chinese community will be represented.
Two female reps, namely Matunggong’s Julita Mojungki of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Flovia Ng (Sabah Star-Tulid), are likely to be made assistant ministers, sources close to the state government told The Vibes.
The other names floated include Joniston Bangkuai (PBS-Kiulu) and James Ratib (Umno-Sugut).
However, it cannot be confirmed whether a Chinese leader or one from the Islamist PAS will join the cabinet.
Several PBS and MCA leaders said Sabah Progressive Party president and former chief minister Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee will be made an appointed assemblyman to represent the Chinese.
None of GRS’ Chinese candidates won in the state election. – The Vibes, October 7, 2020
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