KUCHING: For Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, being appointed as the first Deputy Prime Minister from Sarawak comes with recognition and responsibility.
The Petra Jaya MP from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is one of two DPMs in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Federal Cabinet.
“This appointment is a recognition of GPS and East Malaysia, whereby Sarawak and Sabah are equal partners with the Federation of Malaya under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
“It is a big responsibility, and I pledge to carry out my duties with integrity, sincerity and honesty for our political stability, economic prosperity and national harmony,” Fadillah said.
He expressed gratitude for the wisdom and guidance of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah for bringing the nation out of its political crisis by mooting the establishment of a unity government.
He also said he was honoured and grateful to be appointed as DPM and Plantations and Commodities Minister in the new Cabinet.
Fadillah extended his thanks to Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sarawakian MPs, GPS members and the people of Sarawak for their confidence and support in his appointment.
“Insya Allah, I will be able to shoulder the trust and responsibility given to me based on the decree of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who wants us to give our utmost priority and commitment in providing the best service and care for the social well-being of our people.
“May we all stand united regardless of our race, religion, region and political beliefs to build a stable, developed and prosperous Malaysia, grounded by the Federal Constitution and principles of the Rukun Negara,” he said.
Fadillah, re-elected for a fifth term in Petra Jaya in the 15th General Election, served his second stint as Works Minister in the previous administration.
He was first appointed to helm the Works Ministry in 2013 after previously serving as Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister.
