HAVING three ministers and two deputy ministers from Sabah in his cabinet shows that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has the highest regard for Sabahans, said Chief Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal.

“Alhamdulillah. I’ve thanked the prime minister for giving Sabahans and Parti Warisan Sabah his trust,” he told reporters after the state assembly sitting in Kota Kinabalu today.

“We have three full ministers – my deputy and two supreme council members – and there are also two deputy ministers from Warisan.

“I know many parties in the peninsula had also submitted names, but we now have five (posts). This shows how much the prime minister appreciates Sabahans.”

Warisan deputy president Darell Leiking has been appointed as international trade and industry minister, permanent chairman Liew Vui Keong (minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of law) and supreme council member Mohammad Din Ketapi (tourism and culture minister).

Warisan Youth chief Mohd Azis Jamman has been made deputy home minister, while Wirawati chief Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis holds the post of deputy science, technology and innovation minister.

“I have advised my party colleagues that they must perform at their best for the country,” said Shafie.

He had given the names of seven state MPs to Dr Mahathir to consider for cabinet posts.

As for the remaining two names, he said: “I’m certain they will soon get their placement. Just give it a bit more time.” – July 2, 2018.