KENINGAU: Leaders of Barisan Nasional (BN) in the Interior expect the new Cabinet announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Tuesday, to do its best in improving the administration of the country, especially in restoring the present economy.
Keningau Umno Youth chief Nik Nadzri Nik Zawawi said it was the best decision by the Prime Minister, as the move was to continue the struggle and better manage and plan to face the 14th general election.
“We must continue to work to restore trust and confidence of the people, especially for the interest of the party and BN,” he said.
Political secretary of the Infrastructure Development Ministry, Welfredoline Jakil, hoped that with the new Cabinet line-up, people could work with the Prime Minister for the good of the country, especially to restore the country’s economy.
Melalap community development leader Simon Mamat said looking at the change in leadership, it was the Prime Minister’s act of courage in order to reduce imbalances in the government machinery.
“I believe in the wisdom and experience of the Prime Minister to administer the country with the new line-up,” he said.
Simon also welcomed the appointment of some ministers and deputy ministers from this state.
Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) Youth exco Kahirin Bador supported the Prime Minister’s leadership and described the Cabinet reshuffle as intended to further improve preparedness to face the 14th general election.
“I am confident that the new members appointed are the best and experienced to serve the country to achieve Vision 2020, and (I) also thank the Prime Minister in having PBRS president and Pensiangan member of parliament Tan Sri Joseph Kurup remain as a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.
Keningau Umno division committee member Yazid Haji Mohd Hasnan Tawik said the new Cabinet line-up was a team to strengthen the administration of the BN government.
He said the new line-up was expected to restore public confidence in the BN government that was being plagued with a variety of current issues.
“We expect the Cabinet to assist the PM in addressing the people’s problems such as the high cost of living that is increasingly felt by the people.
“In my personal view, the ministry that was held by Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal should be given to a leader from Sabah, as development in the rural areas in Sabah is still lagging behind,” he said.
However, Yazid, who is also the Keningau Umno IPT and Education Bureau chairman, expressed hope that the minister who took over the ministry, would pay attention to the state.
Liawan community development leader Sahanip Jamil said the right to appoint and drop representatives from the Cabinet was the prerogative of the Prime Minister.
“We thank the Prime Minister for appointing Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak to the Cabinet,” he said.
He felt that the post vacated by Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal should have been held by Salleh.
He said many infrastructure developments needed attention, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, and Salleh understood the lack of developments in these two states.
Sahanip was however a little disappointed because there was no replacement from Sabah for Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri.
Bingkor community development leader Kennedy John, said the Cabinet reshuffle was the prerogative of the PM.
This was to ensure that the PM was able to get the full cooperation of the leadership whom he felt could help govern the country.
“As the Upko Youth exco deputy chief, I welcome the appointment of Datuk Madius Tangau into the Cabinet. Madius’ experience and leadership will drive his ministry dynamically.
“At the same time, we appreciate the contributions of Datuk Dr Ewon Ebin who had held the same portfolio in the past. As a member of BN, we must continue to unite and support this decision and work even harder to bring all developments envisioned by the people,” he said.
Keningau MCA chief Kapitan Jack Chin described the new Cabinet line-up as appropriate and consistent with the objectives of the PM to administer more efficiently and stronger.
“For me the addition of another minister from MCA is good in order for the party to serve the people better,” he said.
Jack expressed hope that with the new line-up, it would help to resolve the situation faced by he country today in restoring investors’ confidence and further stabilize the economy.
Political secretary to the Infrastructure Development Ministry, Stanis Baundi called on all parties to accept the decision of the PM with an open heart and give an opportunity to the new cabinet to prove its ability to manage the country.
“At the same time the people should remain calm and avoid generating negative perceptions that can give an incorrect impression following the cabinet reshuffle which saw Tan Sri Muhyiddin being dropped along with another senior leader Datuk Seri Shafie as well as three ministers and a deputy minister.
“We believe the PM knows best in running the country to achieve Vision 2020,” said Stanis.
Former Pensiangan member of parliament Datuk Dr Bernard S Maraat said the dropping of some Umno leaders in the cabinet reshuffle showed the firmness of the Prime Minister despite the fact that it would give negative impact on the party and BN.
He said the people would put their hopes on the new cabinet line-up that the economy would recover and continue to excel.
“But I also think that the PM will clear all the allegations and accusations that haunt him and the whole BN,” he said.
Bernard, who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) deputy information chief, said the Prime Minister would also clear the name of the government of corruption and others.
He said there should be fair and equal distribution of allocation of projects for Sabah.
“The people of this state still need infrastructure, development of agricultural lands, animal husbandry, fisheries, school, mastering Internet Technology, Science, Mathematics and others.
“At the same time, the government also needs to increase the number of local Sabahans in the public sector, need to abolish the quota intake into public universities, the military and the police,” he said.
Bernard also hoped that the new cabinet could strengthen the political position of BN, especially in facing the 14th general election.