KUCHING: Appointments to the Sarawak Cabinet are the prerogative of Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg as the political leader who spearheads the administration of Sarawak.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol said this jurisdiction is bestowed upon the Sarawak Premier as enshrined under Article 6(3)(b) of the Sarawak Constitution.

He condemned those calling for a reshuffle of the Sarawak Cabinet, particularly after the conclusion of the 16th General Assembly of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) which saw Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development and Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah not getting re-elected as Vice-President of the party.

“The Sarawak Premier’s wisdom in decision-making should not be questioned especially when Sarawak is being governed and managed so well.

“The Cabinet, led by the Sarawak Premier, has made many wise decisions that have placed Sarawak’s economy in a strong position while also introducing numerous welfare initiatives for the rakyat.

“Those who are stirring up this issue are individuals attempting to sow discord with PBB and undermine the unity of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition.

“Since achieving independence, the progressive leadership of GPS has successfully positioned Sarawak as the most developed region with the best political stability and racial unity in Malaysia,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.

Datuk Abdullah went on to defend Dato Sri Abdul Karim’s position in the Sarawak Cabinet, stating that if the Minister’s role were to be questioned simply because he was not elected as a PBB Vice-President, then his own position should also be scrutinised.

“In the Supreme Council election, I was ranked sixth, and there were four others who were elected above me with a higher number of votes,” he pointed out.

The Semop Assemblyman stressed that the dynamics of managing a political party, which only involves internal matters, differ from the act of governing a state which concerns the interests and welfare of a large population.

Therefore, he said the recently concluded PBB General Assembly was a ‘family affair’ that demonstrated the party’s growing unity and strength.

“As demonstrated in the General Assembly, we in PBB continue to stand firmly behind our leaders who are wise in managing the economy and bold in defending the rights and interests of Sarawak.

“The majority of Sarawakians are not interested in shallow political rhetoric but instead seek leaders who can deliver tangible progress for Sarawak, especially in rural areas, and channel various social welfare initiatives to the rakyat,” he said. -UKASnews