Nanta calls for more Dayaks, Chinese from Sarawak to be made deputy ministers

Gabungan Parti Sarawak secretary-general Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star

KUCHING: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi has called for more Dayaks and Chinese from Sarawak to be appointed as deputy ministers to reflect a multiracial leadership in the unity government.

He said minority ethnic communities such as the Bidayuh, Lun Bawang, Kayan, Kenyah and Melanau, as well as the Iban, should be given the opportunity to serve in the new government.

"MPs from these various ethnic groups are obviously capable and have served several terms as MPs and Senators.

"Almost all of them had served as deputy ministers and one of them (Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodi) had also served as Dewan Negara Deputy Speaker. The broad experience of this line of leaders must be a consideration for appointment as deputy ministers.

"Not to be forgotten, MPs from Sarawak's Chinese community should also be given the opportunity to be appointed as deputy ministers, including candidates from DAP.

"Such a formation will reflect the unity among multiracial leaders in this country under the unity government," he said in a statement on Thursday (Dec 8).

Besides Doris, Nanta named Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin, who is Bidayuh, Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong (Lun Bawang), Mukah MP Datuk Hanifah Taib (Melanau), Baram MP Datuk Anyi Ngau (Kayan/Kenyah) and Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong (Iban) for consideration as deputy ministers.

"I fully understand that it is the prerogative of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to choose who he deems fit to hold the position of deputy ministers.

"However, it is also expected of me as a Dayak leader in GPS to express the sentiments and hopes of Sarawak's Dayak community to the Federal Government," he said.

Nanta also believed that Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg shared the same view on the matter.

He said Abang Johari's success in leading Sarawak was due to his inclusive style and understanding of Sarawak's multiracial, multicultural and multireligious society.

"I believe in the wisdom of the Prime Minister in considering this matter. It is my hope that whoever is appointed should take this responsibility with full integrity to ensure that the agenda of national economic recovery and the well-being of the people can be realised successfully," he added.