KUALA LUMPUR – Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who today took on new portfolios in energy as well as Sarawak affairs in a cabinet reshuffle, has reiterated his promise to prioritise the restoration of Sabah and Sarawak rights as enshrined under Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Fadillah was appointed as the energy transition and public utilities minister and also made minister in charge of Sabah and Sarawak affairs in the lineup change announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim earlier today.
Sabah and Sarawak Affairs under the Prime Minister’s Department were previously overseen by Datuk Armizan Ali, who is now domestic trade and cost of living minister.
“For Sabah and Sarawak affairs, I will continue to prioritise efforts to immediately resolve outstanding issues and put MA63 in its rightful place (while) bridging the physical, economic and social divide between East Malaysia and the Peninsula.
“As when I was previously with the Plantation and Commodities Ministry and the Works Ministry, I pledge to do my best in carrying out my duties and responsibilities,” Fadillah said in a statement today.
Anwar recently said that in just a year of the unity government’s administration, it had successfully resolved more issues related to MA63 compared to previous governments.
The prime minister noted that various steps have been taken by the federal government under his leadership, including directing Fadillah to chair meetings relating to MA63.
Meanwhile, Fadillah also said today he believes the prime minister has carefully assessed the suitability of each minister with their entrusted portfolios based on their respective knowledge and skills.
He added that the appointment of fresh faces in the cabinet, the creation of new ministries and the redistribution of duties in existing ministries is sure to aid in initiatives implemented by the Madani government for the wellbeing of the people. – December 12, 2023