CERTAIN parties have requested that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim exclude Sarawak DAP from the cabinet, chapter chief Chong Chieng Jen said.

According to Chong, he was personally informed by Anwar on the matter last night before the announcement of the deputy ministers. 

“I am thankful to the prime minister who contacted me last night before the announcement, explaining the delicate situation of the present political landscape and requests made by some quarters for the exclusion of Sarawak DAP MPs from the posts.

“We understand that under the present circumstances, national interests in terms of political stability and a stable government rises above all personal interests and positions,” he said in a statement. 

Chong then affirmed that DAP would continue to support Anwar as the prime minister as stated previously by party secretary-general Anthony Loke. 

“We accept whatever arrangement the prime minister makes for a more stable government. 

“We strongly believe that with Pakatan Harapan as the backbone of the present government – the administration will move away from the old days of corruption and cronyism. 

“Those who have been accustomed to the old BN’s (Barisan Nasional) way of running the government will have to change to be more accountable,” Chong added. 

ALL 27 deputy ministers of the unity government were sworn in before Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Istana Negara today. 

They took their oaths of office, loyalty and secrecy before signing the official documents on their appointment, witnessed by Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Chief Secretary to the Government Mohd Zuki Ali. 

Anwar and his wife, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, were present to witness the ceremony, which began at 3pm.

Also in attendance were the two deputy prime ministers – Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also rural and regional development minister, and Fadillah Yusof, who is also plantation industries and commodities minister – and their wives. – December 10, 2022.