Big honour and responsibility, says first DPM from the East

 

Fadillah Yusof is the first person from East Malaysia to be appointed as deputy prime minister.

PETALING JAYA: Fadillah Yusof, Malaysia’s first East Malaysian deputy prime minister, has thanked Anwar Ibrahim for appointing him to the post, describing it as a huge honour and responsibility.

In a statement, the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) leader thanked the King for his wisdom in resolving the political impasse through the formation of the Anwar-led government.

He thanked Anwar for entrusting him with the posts of deputy prime minister as well as plantations and commodities minister.

“I also want to thank the Sarawak premier and GPS chairman Abang Johari Openg, the party’s leadership, Sarawakian MPs, party members, and Sarawakians for the trust you have given to me.

“This appointment is a recognition for GPS and the Borneo bloc that is Sarawak and Sabah. It is a huge responsibility that needs to be borne sincerely and honestly for the sake of political and economic stability and the nation’s prosperity,” he said.

Fadillah, who was formerly works minister, said he will serve Malaysians to the best of his ability, calling on all parties to put aside race, religion and political leanings to build a stable, developed and prosperous Malaysia.

As plantations minister, Fadillah takes over from Zuraida Kamaruddin who had served in Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s Cabinet since August last year. Fadillah had also been in the Ismail Cabinet as a senior minister and works minister.

He was deputy minister for science, technology and innovation in 2008.

He is a senior vice-president of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu, and chief whip of GPS. He has been MP for Petra Jaya since 2004. - FMT