Sabah Umno deputy chief Datuk Mohd Shafie Apdal showed his trademark caution in an interview about the feelings of Sabahans being 'sidelined' in national development despite the state Barisan Nasional's stellar performance in the elections. The unity, culture, arts and heritage minister says he does not want to be seen as an agitator but concedes that Sabahans have waited a long time to have requests fulfilled. He speaks to FARRAH NAZ KARIM and DEBORAH LOH.

Q: Do you feel that your hands are tied in your new portfolio?

A: Not really, I just have a limited scope. I can't be asking other ministers to do things for Sabah.

Q: The call to give Sabah MPs 'relevant' ministries implies ministers from other states won't do as well?

A: When I was deputy defence minister, I brought a naval base to my hometown. It helped the people of Semporna by reducing the number of pirate attacks and Abu Sayyaf cases. I'm not saying ministers should only serve their own constituency. We may be a minister but we still represent our state. I don't blame Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for developing Langkawi. It's his home state.
Q: If the Works Ministry or Rural and Regional Development Ministry was headed by Sabah ministers, what do you expect from them?

A: Infrastructure should be enhanced. This is not to say other ministers don't know what's happening, but I know my area better than anybody else. I know the roads they need and where they need help most.

Q: So you agree with (Kalabakan MP) Datuk Seri Ghapur Salleh's call for a cabinet reshuffle with more Sabah ministers in senior posts?

A: Umno Sabah raised the demand in the meeting they had with the PM. It's not Ghapur's view alone. It was raised earlier.

Q: You agree with the call?

A: I can't disagree because I raised it myself in an Umno supreme council meeting.

Q: When Sabah submitted its recommendation for cabinet posts, what was the expectations?

A: I don't know who submitted the list and I didn't know I would be here (in his present ministry). It's the prime minister's prerogative.

Q: If the number and seniority of cabinet posts are not enough, what should be?

A: It's not just the number. It's about placements in the proper ministry. You can have a large number of Sabah ministers but if the ministry is irrelevant to Sabah...

Q: You think that some states which BN lost got a better deal than Sabah?

A: It's the prime minister's prerogative. We just feel that if you work hard and you deliver, you should be rewarded.

Q: Do you think the poverty-eradication target for 2010 can be achieved in Sabah?

A: No, I don't think so.

Q: The Sabah chief minister has said the government will deliver, but in its own time. There are calls now to speed things up.

A: The pressure is strong on the ground. The public are asking: why are blackouts so frequent when we are the biggest producer of natural gas in the country?

Q: If you're unhappy with your post, why didn't you reject it like Ghapur (who was initially appointed deputy natural resources and environment minister)?

A: It is better for me to become a bridge to facilitate development. What good can I do if I'm out of the cabinet? I could make people happy by resigning, but at end of the day, what support will they have? But if Sabah ministers are given prominent posts where they can deliver, the people will not make a fuss.

Q: Some of your BN counterparts from the peninsula are saying Sabah should be grateful for what it has.

A: In 1999, we delivered. In 2004, we delivered. Again in 2008, we delivered. So when do we speak up? After we lose the state or our seats? Kinabatangan (Datuk Bung Mokhtar) and Ghapur themselves have raised issues about infrastructure many times before, so why is this suddenly seen in the context of crossovers? The opposition won't get their numbers in Sabah alone. Anwar is also meeting MPs in the peninsula.

Q: What will happen if changes for Sabah don't start taking place soon?

A: Simple. When the next election comes, the people will decide. We won't be in the position to convince them because they have been patient. I'm the unity minister and I don't want to be one who incites things. I pray to God that MPs won't jump. But I don't want to downplay this issue either.

Q: Will Sabah Umno make a go for a higher post in the Umno elections?

A: We're still deciding. We will assess our support.

Q: You say you are a BN believer but what's the limit to your patience?

A: My constituents question me, especially about electricity supply. I can't supply them electricity so I buy them generators. I have to come up with my own solutions. Whatever I do, I don't want to take any actions that may cause disharmony in the country.