SUPP chief says this is 'best we can do for now' but...

Acknowledging that some might have expected a bigger portfolio for SUPP in the Sarawak cabinet, its president Sim Hui Kan however said this is the best which could be done for now.

However, his carefully selected words did hint at being disappointed with Chief Minister Adenan Satem for not appointing a Chinese deputy chief minister but at the same time expressed optimism about possible future developments.

"Sarawak history has shown that when the landscape changes, cabinet reshuffles are carried out to cater to the needs of the people.

"Adenan is a good listener, and I trust that he will listen to the Chinese community as their mandate was to SUPP to be an integral part of Team Adenan," he said.

This appeared to point at what Adenan had mentioned during a press conference on April 28, where he urged Chinese voters to choose BN if they wanted a deputy chief minister.

However, Sim also noted how Adenan was not pleased with the Chinese representation in his government, unless there were changes to the Sarawak constitution.

"But this is the best we can do for the time being.

"In the meantime, the new SUPP team and I look forward to being part of Team Adenan," he said.

Following last week's state election, Adenan was reported as stating that he was glad that Chinese voters had swung back to BN.

However, in his cabinet line-up announced in Kuching this afternoon, the three deputy chief ministers named were federal minister Douglas Unggah, PRS president James Masing, and PBB deputy president Abang Johari Abang Openg.

Meanwhile, Sim thanked Adenan for appointing him as the minister of local government, saying this was unprecedented for a first-time assemblyperson.

"This is a portfolio that would enable my team and I to fulfil our manifesto in terms of bringing much needed development to the rakyat of our constituencies.

"I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to my supporters and those who voted for me," he added.

Sim also vowed that he and his team would deliver with a high level of professionalism.

The state election saw BN scoring a resounding win, taking 72 out of the 82 seats while DAP lost five of its 12 seats. -Mkini