Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP)’s defeat in the April 16 state election has given Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud a lot to think about in reshuffling the state cabinet.

Taib, who is also state Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, said he needed to tudy and think properly on the cabinet line-up as it was quite a complex situation.

Asked whether SUPP’s loss in the state election gave problem to forming the cabinet line-up, he said: “In a way, yes, but in another way, it’s the up and down in politics.

“I’m a bit worried about how I can get the Chinese representation. Politics is good but sometimes politics gets it one's own way of development.

“I believe the Chinese in Sarawak are quite moderate and decent people. However, during the election, they got excited and followed the trend. It’s okay. We accept that and I don’t want to comment on it,” he told reporters after attending the opening of the state legislative assembly by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng in Kuching today.

    

In the April 16 state election, BN won 55 out of 71 seats it contested. The BN seats comprise 35 under Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), eight under Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and six each under the Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) and Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP).

SUPP, the second largest BN component party in Sarawak after PBB, lost 13 out of the 19 seats it contested, the worst ever performance in the party’s 52-year history.

‘Chinese representation vital’

Taib said Chinese representation in the cabinet was vital to preserve Sarawak as a multiracial state.

“We need to find ways to encourage better Chinese participation in the government. This is very important.

“In Sarawak, there has been no one race getting a simple majority. The only way to have a working democracy is to have the majority by agreement between all  the communities. However, this time is a bit difficult because of SUPP’s failure but this is not a permanent feature,” he said.

SUPP’s defeat included that of its party president and Deputy Chief Minister Dr George Chan, who lost to DAP newcomer Ling Sie Kiong, a 28-year-old lawyer, for the Piasau constituency.

Asked whether SUPP would be able to retain the deputy chief minister (DCM) post, Taib said: “Let’s see what happens. I’ve got to consult my colleagues.”

Taib was also tight-lipped over whether he would appoint another DCM following the seat being vacant with Chan’s defeat.

On speculation that state Land Development Minister Dr James Masing would be promoted to be the next DCM to fill the vacancy, Taib said it was mere speculation.

“I have not thought about it myself. There are so many things to be considered, so I cannot reply that one (question),” he said.

During the state assembly sitting, the deputy chief minister seat was filled by Deputy Chief Minister Alfred Jabu while Masing was seated next to Jabu.

- Bernama