KUCHING: Sarawak’s advancement in the use of renewable energy is reflected in the appointment of Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (pic) to helm the new Energy Transition and Public Utilities Ministry, say state ministers.
“Probably, the Prime Minister sees that Sarawak is leading the way in renewable energy, so he appointed Fadillah to this new portfolio,” said Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the state tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister.
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Abdul Karim also said Fadillah was the right person to take charge of Sabah and Sarawak affairs, as he had been chairing discussions with the Federal Government on restoring Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“It’s only proper that he looks after Sabah and Sarawak,” he added.
Fadillah, the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chief whip, was given the responsibility of handling Sabah and Sarawak matters after the ministerial portfolio was done away with in the Cabinet reshuffle announced on Tuesday.
Previously, Datuk Mohd Armizan Ali had been the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Sabah and Sarawak Affairs.
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State women, childhood and community wellbeing development minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said it was appropriate that someone from Sarawak should hold the new portfolio.
“Fadillah understands Sarawak’s advancement in renewable and green energy and carbon trading.
“This is important when the Federal Government makes laws in this area,” she said.
Fatimah also welcomed Fadillah’s role in Sabah and Sarawak affairs, saying there are high expectations on him to protect Sarawak’s interests under MA63.
