Sarawak PKR's Ali Biju may be given a Cabinet post

KUCHING: Sarawak PKR vice-chairman Ali Biju (pic) says he has been suggested for a Federal Cabinet post.

The newly-elected Saratok MP said his name was one of several submitted by the state PKR leadership for consideration as potential Cabinet members.

"It doesn't matter if it's for a full or deputy minister's post. The portfolio will most likely be something relevant to Sarawak," Ali told reporters at the Stampin PKR service centre here on Tuesday (June 5).

He added that expectations were high that three or four Pakatan Harapan MPs from Sarawak would be appointed to the Cabinet.

"We need more representation from Sarawak to be in the Cabinet as this would reflect our manifesto," he said.

Ali, 50, defeated Barisan Nasional's Subeng Mula by 989 votes in a straight fight to win the Saratok parliamentary seat in GE14.

It was reported earlier that state DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen and state PKR chairman Baru Bian were expected to be given Cabinet posts.

Although DAP and PKR remained tight-lipped on the matter, talk is rife that either one will head a "Sarawak affairs ministry" that will be set up to facilitate devolution of powers to the state.

Pakatan's manifesto included granting autonomy in education, healthcare and fiscal matters to Sarawak, along with restoring the state's rights under the Malaysia Agreement.