KUCHING: Senior minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing is confident that the new state Cabinet line-up is strong enough to ensure the state BN remain rock solid in the next general election.
This is because due consideration was given to each and every community, including the smallest one.
“We will easily retain it because every community has been given a chance for their voices to be heard, even the smallest community.
“Even the Penan are given a special ministry, which will be taken care of by Datuk John Sikie Tayai,” he said.
Masing said this when met by reporters after the Cabinet reshuffle was unveiled by Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud yesterday.
On the elevation of three full ministers to senior minister status, Masing said the move reflected Taib’s understanding of the current political structure and the relevant political parties’ contributions to BN.
Masing viewed the new line-up more as a “restructuring of the government’s machinery” instead of a full-fletched reshuffling.
“That’s why I say that shortcomings are not because of the ministers but with the structure. If the structure is wrong and the machinery no good, or no matter how good you are, if the boat’s shape is awkward it will sink,” he explained.
Masing, who is also PRS president, expressed his happiness with Taib for appointing Belaga assemblyman Liwan Lagang an assistant minister.
“Besides being from PRS, Liwan also represents the Orang Ulu community. It has been very long since we have an Orang Ulu representative…in fact, since the demise of the late assistant minister Dr Judson Tagal.
“So, this time, the Orang Ulu community is included in the administration, together with SPDP assemblywomen Rosey Yunus, who is from the Kedayan community. This reflects that we have considered every community, even the smallest group in the government administration,” he said.
When asked to comment on the single deputy chief minister’s post, Masing said positions should not override the importance of delivering the job well.
“What the chief minister has done is correct, forget about the position and focus on delivery and the portfolio you handle, and make sure you handle it well. What he wants from the ministers is delivery and service.
“I don’t think position really matters because what is more important is the ability to deliver the job. I could be anywhere but if I don’t deliver it’s useless,” he said.
Masing retained his post as Minister of Land Development. His assistant ministers are Datuk Gramong Juna and Datuk Abdul Wahab Aziz.