PUTRAJAYA: The Perikatan Nasional government is committed to elevate the socio-economic well-being of the people in Sarawak and Sabah.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the federal administration under his leadership was also committed to ensure the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 is manifested through policies and programmes that benefit the people in East Malaysia.
“The Government is serious in addressing issues involving development and the socio-economic well-being of the people in Sabah and Sarawak.
“My cabinet will keep the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 or MA63 alive that will be translated into policies and programmes that directly benefit the people of Sabah and Sarawak.
“As such, I will create a special portfolio of Sabah and Sarawak Affairs to be led by a Minister in the Prime Minister's Department,” said Muhyiddin today.
The prime minister later announced Parti Bersatu Sabah president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili as the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs).
Maximus will be assisted by Mukah member of parliment, Datuk Hanifar Hajar Taib of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
Hanifah is the daughter of Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, who was previously the longest serving Sarawak Chief Minister (from 1981 until 2014).
To enhance unity among people of various races, cultures and religions, Muhyiddin announced the formation of the National Unity Ministry.
Kota Tinggi MP Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique and Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing were appointed as the minister and deputy minister in the ministry.
Muhyiddin also said his administration will focus on environmental sustainability following the formation of the Environment Ministry that will be helmed by Pas deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, who is also the Kubang Kerian MP.
“Environmental sustainability is also important in creating a more prosperous life for all of us, our children and the future generations.
“Natural resources in our country must be well maintained. Therefore, a special ministry called the Ministry of Environment will be created.”