KUCHING, Dec 3 — Former federal minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar today said having Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, a Sarawakian, as the Minister of National Unity in the national unity government announced last night is spot on.

“We certainly can share our experience on how to live harmoniously, despite the differences in cultures and religions, in the state,” he said when congratulating Ago and four ministers from Sarawak in the unity government of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Wan Junaidi, a former minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law), said he noted that the five are given senior portfolios in the Cabinet and he hopes that this, in turn, would significantly contribute towards giving Sarawak a stronger representation to further develop the state.

He said the appointment of Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, the first ever Sarawakian chosen to be deputy prime minister of Malaysia, is a historic moment as it will give Sarawakians more say as well as stronger representation in the federal government.

“Coupled with the portfolio as Plantation and Commodities Minister, I am optimistic of seeing more exciting development taking place that will benefit the people in Sarawak and Sabah and put us on an equal footing with the states in the peninsula,” he said.

Wan Junaidi also expressed confident that Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi as the new Works Minister will give adequate focus on the overall development in Sarawak and Sabah.

“When I was in the Cabinet, many times I had voiced out my views on the importance of having a representative from either Sarawak or Sabah for this ministry simply because it is time that we too enjoy the same development in Peninsular Malaysia,” he said.

He added that the development of Malaysia has been too Kuala Lumpur-centric, adding that Sarawak is very much left behind in terms of basic infrastructures such as road connectivity, schools, hospitals, electricity and internet services especially in the rural areas where about 50 per cent of the population is still residing in the rural areas.

“It is hoped that having a Borneo MP to lead this ministry would bring in the much needed infrastructure development to Sabah and Sarawak as promised in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” he said.

Wan Junaidi said Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri will bring in her experience and dedication to the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.

“The country would benefit greatly having her leading the ministry, not just because of her credentials and experiences, but also because of her passion, dedication and most importantly heart in carrying out her duties to serve the people,” he said.

Nancy, who is also Santubong Member of Parliament, was the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture before the dissolution of Parliament.

He also believed that Bintulu Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing will do well as the new Tourism Minister.

“This is one of the country’s main revenue earners and I hope that he is able to revive the country’s tourism sector in this post-Covid-19 pandemic era.

“The Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak have many potential and hidden gems,” he said, adding that the people can count on him to further boost tourism sector in this part of the nation, in a holistic and sustainable manner. - malaymail