Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has set sights on cabinet portfolios that can bring the most impact to Sarawak.
When contacted, GPS secretary-general Alexander Nanta Linggi said these portfolios include rural development, plantation, commodities and works.
"We have proposed that we are given portfolios that are especially meaningful to Sarawak such as the Rural Development and Plantations Industries and Commodities Ministries.
"If possible. We would like to keep the Works Ministry too," he said.
During the previous Muhyiddin Yassin and Ismail Sabri Yaakob administrations, GPS’ Fadillah Yusof helmed the Works Ministry - a powerful portfolio in charge of public infrastructure.
Alexander (above) was the domestic trade and consumer affairs minister during both the Muhyiddin and Ismail Sabri administrations.
Non-Malay DPM?
When asked if Anwar should appoint a non-Malay or non-Muslim as a deputy prime minister, Alexander said doing so will earn the new prime minister a lot of goodwill and prove that he was intent on having an inclusive government.
"It would be nice if he does that because that is the expectation of the non-Muslims and non-Malays all over the country, not just in Sarawak.
"They are expecting an inclusive cabinet and government, which has been advocated by Anwar himself.
"This will reflect his sincerity and show that he genuinely wants to be inclusive in running a multiracial, multi-religious and multi-cultural country like Malaysia," he said.
Earlier, Anwar had already pledged to appoint one deputy prime minister from BN.
He is also obligated to appoint a deputy prime minister from East Malaysia as promised in the Pakatan Harapan election manifesto.
Tight race
Early reports on Anwar's agreement with BN suggest that the deputy prime minister will have some say in the choice of cabinet members and other positions.
Anwar had also pledged to reduce the cabinet’s size from 31 previously, making the race for a ministership more competitive than usual.
Meanwhile, when asked what portfolio he was personally hoping for, Alexander casually said the plantation and commodities portfolio would suit him.
"Plantation is a big thing in Sarawak and the country. I think the commodities will also contribute to the development of social economy," said Alexander, who was re-elected as Kapit MP on Nov 19.
Kapit is a rural constituency with a lot of oil palm plantations.
Ultimately, Alexander added, GPS' list of nominees will be decided solely by coalition supremo, Abang Johari Openg. - Mkini
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