At a press conference, Zahid said this pledge was not listed in the BN manifesto, which was launched last night, simply because he had announced this two weeks ago.

On Oct 23, he pledged to appoint three deputy prime ministers from Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia respectively if the coalition won the general election (GE15).

However, a day later, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob brushed off questions about the proposal, saying it would be implemented if included in BN’s manifesto and if the coalition wins GE15.

It was noticeably absent from BN’s manifesto, prompting Warisan deputy president Darell Leiking to question its omission.

Leiking said the exclusion had reduced Sabah and Sarawak to a “side dish” and was a “reflection of what they think of us”.

BN’s manifesto contained 99 pledges, including promises to develop Sabah and Sarawak in line “with the spirit of the Federal Constitution” and uphold equitable development between East and West Malaysia.

Sabah and Sarawak would be made the new security hub and be developed as new economic giants.

Pakatan Harapan has promised to have two deputy prime ministers – one from the peninsula and another from East Malaysia – in its manifesto.

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