HONOURED: Nancy (right) hugs her mother Bibi MacPherson, 83, at the Kuching International Airport upon her arrival from Kuala Lumpur at 5.40pm yesterday.
KUCHING: Batang Sadong MP Nancy Shukri, pleasantly surprised to be appointed as a minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, said it was the decision made by the prime minister to attain a good balance of senior and junior members within the new federal cabinet.
Being one of the three backbenchers who were roped into the new cabinet, Nancy defended her position against early critics saying she should be given a chance to prove herself.
“Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has also considered the opinion of the public to assemble the cabinet in having a mixture of technocrats and the young who are able to reach out to their generation,” said Nancy upon her arrival at the Kuching International Airport yesterday.
During the first cabinet meeting on Thursday, Nancy said that the bigger representation of Sarawak and Sabah ministers could well be the platform for both states to experience intensive developments.
“We have also voiced out the needs of Sarawak and Sabah such as the need to develop more sports and public facilities especially in the rural areas,” said Nancy.
She also said Najib had urged all the ministers to continue with the BN’s Aku Janji or manifesto regardless of areas.
Nancy also said more allocations should be given to MPs to visit their constituency on a regular basis.
“This is one of the best ways to meet the people and hear their needs,” added Nancy.
She also said no specific portfolio was given to her prior to the meeting.
“There are several portfolios under the Prime Minister’s department. Regardless of which, I am sure to deliver my best,” said Nancy.