Bung reveals offer to join Cabinet in reshuffle

 

Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin said the offer was proof that allegations by certain quarters claiming Sabah Umno was sidelined in the recent Cabinet reshuffle were untrue. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin today revealed that he had been extended an offer to join the Cabinet during the recent reshuffle.

However, the Kinabatangan MP said he turned down the offer as he wanted to focus on the party’s preparations for Sabah’s 17th state assembly elections.

“Yes, I was offered a position. However, I turned it down to focus on my responsibilities as Sabah Umno chief and (Sabah) Barisan Nasional chairman to strengthen the party in facing the state assembly elections,” he was quoted as saying.

Bung, however, did not specify the portfolio or the position offered.

He said the offer was proof that allegations by certain quarters claiming Sabah Umno was sidelined in the recent Cabinet reshuffle were untrue, reported Sinar Harian.

Such claims gained traction on social media and were further intensified when Beaufort MP Siti Aminah Aching, from Sabah Umno, was dropped from the Cabinet lineup.

Siti Aminah’s post as deputy plantation and commodities minister was taken over by Chan Foong Hin. Chan was the deputy agriculture and food security minister prior to this.

Bung said the appointment of Cabinet members was an absolute prerogative of the prime minister and should not be questioned.

“So, just ignore these negative claims meant only to undermine Sabah Umno,” he added.

He also said while Siti Aminah had been dropped, Umno vice-president Johari Ghani and Wanita Umno chief Noraini Ahmad had been made plantations and commodities minister, and deputy women, family and community development minister, respectively.

“These appointments show that their capabilities within the party are being recognised,” he said. - FMT