Leon (seated second left) is pictured after chairing a recent DAP Sri Aman meeting.
KUCHING: DAP Sarawak clarifies that it is not pushing for the creation of a deputy prime minister post for East Malaysia.
Its vice chairman Leon Jimat Donald said the call, made by DAP Batu Kitang chief Abdul Aziz Isa for the creation of the post, was merely a personal opinion and did not represent the stand of DAP Sarawak.
Aziz, who is also DAP Socialist Youth Sarawak publicity chief, has said in a press statement on Tuesday for Pakatan Harapan Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen to be appointed as second deputy prime minister in the next cabinet announcement.
“I wish to reiterate that DAP Sarawak will abide by the consensus agreed in the Pakatan Harapan election manifesto.
“It is my view that the request by Aziz asking for many deputy prime minister posts diminishes the power and prestige of the honourable post, which will render the position meaningless.
“What is important right now is the implementation and formulation of good and fair policies for the people of Sarawak,” said Leon yesterday.
He reiterated that DAP Sarawak would focus on pushing for policies that are beneficial to all Sarawakians rather than focusing on fighting for ministerial positions.
“The creation of deputy prime minister II post without the prestige and power is for decorative purposes only. It is merely window-dressing at best without any proper function.
“The opinion of Abdul Aziz Isa is merely his personal statement, which does not represent the position of DAP Sarawak,” he said.
Pakatan Harapan chief secretary Saifuddin Abdullah has clarified on Tuesday that there was no promise of a second deputy prime minister for East Malaysia in the coalition’s 14th general election manifesto which was presented in March.