S4S spokesperson Peter John Jaban said Chief Minister Abang Johari Abang Openg cannot hold so many portfolios himself.

The Sarawak cabinet remains unchanged after a swearing-in ceremony at the state assembly yesterday.

Abang Johari currently has direct authority over the ministries of finance and economic planning; resource planning and environment; housing and urbanisation; and tourism, arts and culture.

Before being sworn in as chief minister last Friday, Abang Johari was heading the latter two ministries.

Including the chief minister’s office, Abang Johari now controls five ministries.

“Separation of powers is impossible when so much is centred under one man. So he will need to reshuffle eventually,” Jaban said.

“No one minister should have such a far reach. It is an end to any contribution from thriving team work and, even worse, open to abuse.

“Besides, who actually believes that one man has the time or the energy to run so many different ministries?

“It is impossible to be effective in such a variety of roles. Even two ministries is a full-time job! Five is ridiculous.”

Jaban, however, praised Abang Johari for “being consistent” in maintaining the status quo in pursuing autonomy talks with Putrajaya and pursuing negotiations regarding raising Sarawak’s oil royalty.

He said the chief minister should not be holding any ministry beyond that of the chief minister’s office.