Professor Datuk Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi
The recent appointments of two new deputy ministers from Sarawak, alongside the retention of six others, signify a crucial political statement regarding the state’s enhanced bargaining capabilities within the federal government, as noted by socio-political expert Professor Datuk Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi.
The newly appointed deputy ministers from Sarawak include Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Mordi Bimol from the Democratic Action Party (DAP) representing Mas Gading, and Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Chiew Choon Man from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) representing Miri.
New Roles and Reassignments
Additionally, three other Sarawak MPs have been reassigned to new ministerial roles. Sibuti MP Dato Lukanisman Awang Sauni, who previously served as Deputy Health Minister, has now been appointed as Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister. Furthermore, Mukah MP Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib has transitioned from her previous position as Deputy Economy Minister to become the new Deputy Health Minister.
Moreover, Sarikei MP Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii has been appointed as Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister, after serving as Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability.
Political Implications
Those retaining their deputy ministerial portfolios include Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong (Digital), Datuk Rubiah Wang (Rural and Regional Development), and Datuk Hasbi Habibollah (Transport).
Professor Awang Azman, affiliated with Universiti Malaya and a Senior Fellow at the Malaysian National Academy, emphasized that the recent reshuffle should not merely be seen as an increase in ministerial numbers. Instead, it represents a deeper integration of Sarawakian leaders into the federal executive framework, particularly in areas closely associated with public welfare and economic interests, including health, foreign affairs, and youth sports.
He explained, “This reflects Sarawak’s upgrading of its political standing in Putrajaya,” highlighting that the state is now positioned as a more strategic participant in federal decision-making.
Strategic Partnerships
Awang Azman pointed out that from the perspective of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, this political signal to Sabah and Sarawak conveys a strong intention to uphold the support of the Borneo bloc.
He remarked, “Sarawak is being positioned as a strategic partner in political stability. The Borneo bloc remains pivotal to parliamentary durability and the overall balance of Malaysia’s political system.”
In his analysis, he noted the inclusion of Sarawak DAP and PKR figures as a sensitive aspect of the reshuffle. The PKR and DAP play significant roles in the federal Madani unity government, despite being opposition parties at the state level.
Future Considerations
However, the professor cautioned against interpreting these appointments as a political victory over the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS). He clarified, “Deputy ministerial appointments are federal prerogatives. They do not represent state-level electoral mandates or executive authority.”
Simultaneously, Awang Azman indicated that these appointments reflect political recognition and accommodation of Sarawak Pakatan Harapan, particularly DAP, aiming to bolster PH’s presence in the state ahead of the anticipated Sarawak state election at the end of next year.
He concluded that the political maneuver aims to simultaneously achieve two strategic goals: strengthening Sarawak’s position within the federal framework and advancing the Prime Minister’s broader strategy to secure Borneo’s support as a cornerstone of national stability.
The post New Sarawak deputy minister appointments strengthen state’s federal bargaining power, says analyst appeared first on Borneo Post Online.
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