KUCHING: The appointment of eight Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) representatives in the new Cabinet line-up is a recognition for Sarawak and the state coalition, says Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (pic).

       The GPS parliamentary chief whip thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob for appointing four ministers, including himself, and four deputy ministers from GPS to the Cabinet.

       "Our appointment is a big trust and responsibility for the people and nation. At a time when we are still facing the Covid-19 pandemic and challenging economic situation, the people are placing high hopes in the new Cabinet," he said in a statement on Friday (Aug 27).

       Fadillah was retained as the Senior Minister (Works) along with Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri and former Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who has been appointed as the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law).

       Also retained were deputy ministers Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) and Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang (Health), while Datuk Hasbi Habibollah and Datuk Henry Sum Agong swapped portfolios to be appointed Rural Development and Transport deputy ministers respectively.

       Fadillah also said the Cabinet's focus was to ensure political stability and to address Covid-19 and economic recovery.

       "All politicians, regardless of party affiliation, and everyone in Malaysian society must work together so that our efforts succeed. We need to join forces and stop all negative elements to free our country from the pandemic," he said.