TOAST FOR VICTORY: Dawos (centre) and some of the guests lift up their glasses to toast his victory and appointment as a deputy minister.
KUCHING: Mambong MP Datuk Seri Dr James Dawos Mamit is happy to be appointed as Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment as this field is “his forte”.
Even though many supporters had expected him to be appointed a minister in the federal cabinet, Dawos said it did not really matter because he could draw on his experience and expertise as a trained environmental scientist to discharge his duties well.
“I am very grateful to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for putting me in this ministry.
“He (Najib) had known me for quite some time and he knows my forte, my specialisation and my expertise. That is why no matter what comes, he wants me to be here (in the ministry).
“I can also assist the minister to move forward to do what is necessary for our country,” he said at dinner hosted by lawyer and Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) commissioner Datuk Detta Samen on Saturday.
The four-term Mambong MP is an environmentalist by profession and he once served as environmental advisor to the state government and as a vice-president of Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians Conference on Environment and Development.
Dawos, who was formerly deputy tourism minister, said his ministry would most likely continued with its policy on sustainable development and reducing carbon footprint, and to ensure that all projects benefit the people.
LOVING COUPLE: Dawos, joined by his wife Datin Seri Christine Dawong, sings a song to thank his supporters at the dinner.
“This is my role and responsibility. I’m hoping that I can lead the way to handle it since this is my specialisation and my forte.”
He thanked his supporters and voters in Mambong for ensuring his victory in the 13th general election, where he won with a 9,721 vote-majority in a three-cornered fight.
“Without your support, I would not have won. But the win is not for me. The win is for all of us. I would continue with my mission to ensure the people of Mambong benefit from development.”
Meanwhile, the dinner hosted by Detta and organised by his law firm was held not only to congratulate Dawos but also as thanksgiving for the `Datuk Seri’ and `Datuk’ titles conferred on Dawos and Detta respectively by the Sultan of Pahang recently.
Among those present were Atate Legislative Assembly deputy speaker Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Assistant Minister of Public Health Dr Jerip Susil and Dayak Bidayuh National Association president Datu Ik Pahon Joyik.