Nancy Shukri
KUCHING: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nancy Shukri said the recent change of her portfolio “is not affecting Sarawak (in seeking devolution of power) at all.”
She pointed out that Sarawak “is very well prepared, with the right people representing Sarawak” when it came to the subject matter.
“Anyway, I still have my role over that side (federal). I am still the minister to oversee this devolution matter for Sarawak.
“So far, there is no withdrawal, there is no termination or anything like that. But I must tell you, Sarawak is very well prepared, they have all the things needed to present to the federal government. And I don’t think that (change of portfolio) will be affecting them,” she said when met by journalists at her Aidilfitri open house at the old State Legislative Assembly Complex here today (July 16).
She was responding to Bandar Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen’s statement yesterday which described her change of portfolio as a setback to Sarawak’s efforts in devolution of power.
Nancy also dismissed talks that the new portfolio indicated a demotion while asserting that the change “is something good for Sarawak.”
“I can understand the sentiment that people think it is a demotion, that the government is trying to put aside a Sarawakian minister.
“Let us look forward to doing something that we can tap from this new agency. And I have already in mind what I want to do on social innovation,” she said.
Nancy declined to comment when asked whether Chong’s comment on her successor Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said was true.
Chong had said Azalina that had not shown much concern or respect for Sarawak autonomy and rights.
However, Nancy was quick to add: “She (Azalina) has just been given this position. I think to be fair with her, I am sure given the chance to look into it, she will surely do her part.”
“I mean, as a minister, we are not just serving one state. We are serving the whole country. I know YB Chong is concerned about Sarawak and everybody is. I felt saddened when I heard comments that they worried about me being taken away from that agency.”
Azalina is now in charge of the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department following the recent minor cabinet reshuffle.
Nancy is now overseeing the Malaysian Innovation Agency, Malaysia Nuclear Power Corporation and Malaysian Industry Government Group for High Technology.
She is also responsible for agencies including Public Land Transport Commission (SPAD) as well as the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) Sabah and LPKP Sarawak.