Abdul Karim. – Photo by Rosytein Emmor
KUCHING (Aug 25): Calls by various quarters in Sarawak for the deputy prime minister (DPM) post to be allocated to Sarawak should not be misinterpreted as lobbying for it, said Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice president said this following a report that apart from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) was also lobbying for the DPM post.
The prerogative of who should be in the Federal Cabinet and what ministry or position he or she would hold rests on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Sabri Ismail Yaakob and he (Ismail Sabri) should not be pressured in making that decision, Abdul Karim said.
“There should not be any lobbying, too. Some Sarawakians have given their opinions and thoughts including myself that time is ripe for an MP from the Borneo states to be considered as DPM. But please do not look at it as lobbying,” said the Asajaya assemblyman yesterday.
He added the prime minister has full say on who he wants to be in his Cabinet but if a Sarawakian happened to be selected that would please all Sarawakians and also Sabahans.
“Our role and contribution in Greater Malaysia is recognised (with such DPM appointment),” Abdul Karim explained.
According to Malaysiakini report yesterday, Gombak MP Datuk Seri Azmin Ali was one of three Bersatu leaders said to be in the running to be Ismail Sabri’s deputy.
The other two are Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainuddin and supreme council member Redzuan Mohd Yusof.
An MP in Azmin’s faction was also quick to deny threats of defection to defeat Ismail Sabri’s simple majority government just to get the DPM post.
GPS is also lobbying for there to be a second deputy prime minister post to be filled by one of its MPs, the news portal said.
Apart from Abdul Karim, GPS partner Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) has also made a similar call but it recommended GPS and PBB secretary-general Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi be appointed as a DPM.