Its chairman Stephen Wong noted that although it was a bitter pill to swallow, it was Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad who had the final say in naming his Cabinet.
He said Sabah DAP had actually hoped for at least one of its lawmakers to be named a deputy minister.
“Of course, we feel a bit down, especially when highly-recommended MPs were not selected.
“What to do? But, yes, we will move on. This is only a small matter. After all, we are not here because we want to be a minister.
“What’s important is what the people wish for. The point is you have to do something to change the situation in the country, which has not been healthy due to the past government,” he said.
“It is Mahathir’s prerogative who to appoint in his Cabinet. We can’t say much but we hope the situation will be rectified in time,” Stephen said.
DAP Youth chief Wong Kah Woh had questioned the new Cabinet lineup which had only six ministers from the party, saying the lineup did not reflect the “people’s aspirations” after DAP had won the second most number of parliamentary seats in Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the May 9 general election.
Kah Woh said Mahathir had failed to respect the proposals submitted by a coalition partner.
Stephen said DAP should put this issue behind them for the sake of the people.
“We don’t know the reason he (Mahathir) didn’t follow our recommendations but whatever it is, we will work together.”