KUCHING: Sarawak's ministers and deputy ministers will work closely with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in managing the Covid-19 pandemic, says Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

       The Chief Minister said the new Cabinet would also focus on economic recovery.

       "We hope that with the stability in the Federal Government now, we can resolve the problems faced by the country, including reviving the economy," he said on Friday (Aug 27).

       Abang Johari also thanked Ismail Sabri for retaining eight Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) representatives in the Cabinet, as well as two from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia.

       "InsyaAllah Sarawak will play our part," he said.

       All four ministers and six deputy ministers from Sarawak were retained in the Cabinet with a minor reshuffling of portfolios.

       Former Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has been appointed Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law), while Datuk Hasbi Habibollah and Datuk Henry Sum Agong swapped portfolios to be appointed Rural Development and Transport deputy ministers respectively.

       Senior Minister (Works) Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri kept their posts, along with deputy ministers Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs), Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang (Health), Datuk Ali Biju (Energy and Natural Resources) and Datuk Willie Mongin (Plantation Industries and Commodities).

       Ali and Willie are from Bersatu while the rest are from GPS.