Baru (seated, fourth left) with PKR Sarawak MPs and executive committee members after their meeting. Also seen are (seated, from left) Willie, Miri MP Dr Michael Teo, PKR Sarawak vice-chairman Abdul Jalil Bujang, Saratok MP Ali Biju, Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How, PKR Sarawak vice-chairman Boniface Willy Tumek and its secretary-general Nicholas Bawin.
KUCHING: State Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) chairman Baru Bian believes that leaders from Sarawak and Sabah would not be left out when it comes to the appointment of federal ministers by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
According to Baru, there are still 11 ministerial posts that have yet to be announced by the premier.
In this regard, he believes that Pakatan Harapan (PH) leadership has the wisdom to ‘remember both the eastern states’.
“They should and would remember Sarawak and Sabah – this is very clear in our manifesto where we recognise MA63 (Malaysia Agreement 1963). Even Tun Mahathir himself has talked about the equality of Sarawak and Sabah in the formation of Malaysia,” Baru told reporters after chairing PKR Sarawak’s first meeting after the 14th general election (GE14) at the party’s headquarters here yesterday.
Adding on, he stressed that PH leaders would base their decisions on the PH manifesto – giving him confidence that Sarawak and Sabah would ‘not be left out’.
Baru, who is Selangau MP, also pointed out that the prime minister had the prerogative to pick and choose his cabinet.
“So far, we do recognise and respect those who have been appointed. Some have very distinguished experience and backgrounds. That we must accept and respect.”
On another note, Baru said the meeting revolved around the direction and future of PKR Sarawak in view of a new PH government.
He said among the things discussed were for the party to strengthen their branches and rope in more new members – an exercise to be headed by Puncak Borneo MP Willie Mongin.
This, Baru added, would be vital as PKR expects that the state election would be held before the end of its term.
“I think it is very logical – if given time, people would see the changes brought forth by PH as the federal government. There will be a vast difference as to how PH governs the country.”
Baru said the promises that have been or are being fulfilled include the zero-per cent rate of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the stability of the nation’s petrol prices – the PH pledge to be realised within its 100 days of ruling Putrajaya.
“I am very confident that given time, people would be convinced that what we have promised would be delivered; and for that reason, I think people would shift their confidence towards PH,” he added.