SABAH Chief Minister Shafie Apdal has come under public scrutiny barely a day after he named his cabinet while keeping the finance portfolio for himself..

The internet is abuzz with talk of Shafie taking control over the state’s financial affairs, with some claiming the new Warisan-Pakatan Harapan government will be no better than Barisan Nasional (BN). 

Former Sabah chief minister Musa Aman had also been the state finance minister.

Shafie, an economist, has said he is taking charge of the coffers to put the state’s finances back on track. 

But some Sabahans disagree.

Political analyst Dr Arnold Puyok of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak said in a social media post  Shafie’s cabinet was a let down.

“I would expect the cabinet to be filled with people with more experience in policy making and have proven track record in public and private service – also people with unblemished reputation and who do not have political baggage. 

“The CM should not hold the Minister of Finance post as doing so would create the impression that he wants to amass more power and influence. Isn’t the post of CM enough?  

The CM must remember – public expectation is high – they want to see a CM who is ready to detach himself from all the excesses of power and influence,” he said.

Anak Sabah in a WhatApp message wrote that history tended to repeat it self.

“This is not an issue of trust. it is about a check and balance set in place… Sabahans have acted courageously to vote out a corrupt government but to allow the chief minister to be the finance minister is not only to maintain the status quo but make a mockery of the momentous win,” it said.  

Voter Beverly Joeman said she was concerned about the chief minister holding the finance minister’s post as such was the practice of the BN-Umno regime. 

“In the GE14, Sabahans have loudly said that we want change. It is disconcerting ing to note the same trend being continued. 

History has taught us to be more vigilant and cautious, if not suspicious, of too much power in one’s hands,” she said. 

However, Joeman said she was willing to give the new state government the benefit of the doubt and five years to prove itself. – May 17, 2018.