Marzuki said Sabah and Sarawak had become very important partners in the new government and he strongly believed the two states would be represented, “because that is part of our promise in the manifesto”.
However, the prime minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, has stated he intends to have a lean cabinet.
“If we talk about a smaller Cabinet, it could be smaller representation, not only for Sabah and Sarawak, but other states as well,” Marzuki told reporters after speaking at a forum on the outcome of the recent general election.
He said there was likely to be a different approach taken towards appointing ministers. In the past consideration was given to representation by state instead of by party.
“I’m not too sure now if that would be one of the considerations,” he said. The wish for a leaner cabinet would probably lean towards more party-based choices.
Marzuki did not discount a delay in announcing the final line-up while the prime minister evaluates candidates on merit. “Even of the 10 (ministers appointed earlier), some of them do not hold key positions in their party. For example Dr Maszlee Malik doesn’t hold any position at top level in the party (PPBM) but he was appointed education minister because of his qualification and background.”
Sabah PAS legal chief Hamid Ismail is concerned that the absence of Sabahans in the first list of ministers was a foretaste of what is to come.
“At least one Sabahan should have been in the first phase, because Sabah is (one of the) parties to the formation of Malaysia. “I’m worried the federal government will be controlled by West Malaysians and this prevents Sabah from getting the benefits of the Malaysia Agreement,” he told FMT.
He said Parti Warisan Sabah deputy president Darell Leiking, the incoming MP for Penampang, should be named a minister. “He’s really fighting for Sabahans and he raised many good points in the previous Parliament,” he said.
Leiking was re-elected in Penampang after defeating Barisan Nasional’s Ceaser Mandela Malakun by 23,473 votes, more than double the margin of 2013.
Hamid was defeated in the contest for the Tanjung Aru state seat.