Taib (centre), with Nancy on his right, shakes hands with a guest upon his arrival at the old DUN Complex. — Photos by Tan Song Wei
KUCHING: Minister in Prime Minister’s Department Nancy Shukri takes pride in being the first woman minister to oversee Malaysia Nuclear Power Corporation.
In this respect, she regards the recent change in her ministerial portfolio as a ‘good move for Sarawak’ — one that will not affect the state’s effort in seeking further devolution of power.
“For the devolution, Sarawak is very well-prepared, with the right people representing Sarawak. Anyway, I still have my role over that side (federal government). I am still the minister to oversee this devolution matter for Sarawak.
“It has been decided in the cabinet. So far, there is no withdrawal, no termination or anything like that. I must tell you (that) Sarawak is very well-prepared — they have all the things needed to present to the federal government,” she told reporters at a Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house hosted by her in the old State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex here yesterday.
Nancy’s comments were made in response to Bandar Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen’s statement on Friday, which viewed the change of the federal ministerial portfolio as a setback to the state’s autonomy movement.
Prior to the recent minor federal cabinet reshuffle, Nancy was in charge of the Legal Affairs Division under the Prime Minister’s Department. Now, she is in charge of not just the nuclear agency, but also the Malaysia Innovation Agency and Malaysian Industry Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT).
Nancy is also responsible for other agencies including Public Land Transport Commission (SPAD), as well as the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) divisions in Sabah and Sarawak.
The minister said she was confident in delivering a lot more for Sarawak with her new portfolio.
“The state has projects with MIGHT, an agency that I am overseeing. And nuclear, I think this is the first time that a female minister had ever been asked to oversee a nuclear agency. So, it is something good for Sarawak.
“Of course, I can understand the sentiments of the people, who may think of it as a demotion; that the government is trying to put aside Sarawakian minister. But let us look forward to doing something that we can tap from this new agency.”
Nancy said she already had something in mind in terms of social innovation — an aspect that the country should embark on.
The Malaysia Innovation Agencies, she disclosed, had several projects overseas as well as in Sarawak, where SMK Sungai Tapang had been involved with.
“I have been told that there are quite a number of projects that they have worked on together with the state. So I hope we could do more for the state and, of course, for the country as a whole.”
Nancy, however, declined to comment when asked if Chong’s statement on her successor Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said was true.
In his remarks, Chong viewed Azalina as ‘an Umno minister who has shown not much of concern and respect for Sarawak autonomy and rights’.
On this, Nancy said: “She (Azalina) has just been given this position. I think to be fair, I am sure that when given the chance, she would 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 — everybody is. I felt sad when I heard that they were worried about me being taken away from that agency.”
The Hari Raya open house yesterday hosted local dignitaries, federal and state leaders and members of various communities, with Head of State Tun Pehin
Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Toh Puan Dato Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib, and Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim among the guests.
Guests help themselves to the food during the Hari Raya open house hosted by Nancy at the old DUN Complex.