Kuching is abuzz with queries as to who will replace former energy, communications and multimedia minister Leo Moggie in the new cabinet.

The slot is allocated for a representative from Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) which Moggie led until his retirement in the middle of last year. He also did not contest in the recently concluded general election.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, whose ruling coalition Barisan Nasional enjoyed a massive victory in the polls, is due to appoint his new cabinet by next Wednesday.

At present there seems to be a fight between two PBDS leaders - each from the opposing faction - for the coveted federal ministerial post.

The candidates

Publicly, Sarawak Chief Minister and state Barisan Nasional chairperson Abdul Taib Mahmud wants the newly-elected Selangau MP Joseph Entulu Belaun to be promoted to Putrajaya.

Prior to the elections, Entulu was a state assistant minister and a state assemblyperson.

On the other hand, PBDS chief Daniel Tajem prefers another person - party treasurer-general and the re-elected Julau MP Joseph Salang. Salang is also Moggie's preferred candidate.

However both Tajem and party secretary-general Stanley Ajang would not comment in public on the matter, saying "the appointment of federal cabinet ministers is entirely the prime minister's prerogative."

Entulu is a known supporter of PBDS faction leader Dr James Masing, who is involved in a running feud with Tajem for the party leadership post.

Breaking tradition

A party leader who asked not to be identified told malaysiakini that he was surprised by Taib's public backing for Entulu even during campaigning.

"The tradition has always been for the leader of a party to submit name or names from his own party, with the endorsement of the state chief executive, to the prime minister for his consideration," he said.

According to informed sources, Masing is pushing for "one of his men (Entulu) to take over Moggie's place in the cabinet."

"Entulu may have Taib's blessing but he is not a senior to Joseph Salang or Jawan Gerang in the party," they said, adding that "both Tajem and Moggie have done their part (to make known the party's preference or choice(s)."

Face saving formula

Observers here also noted that Abdullah might try to accommodate both the feuding factions by offering one deputy minister and one parliamentary secretary posts to the party, instead of a full ministerial post.

This will come in addition to a political secretary post which is already in place.

"This may be a face-saving formula," they said, adding that Abdullah is likely to consider this as part of his effort to try and bring the two factions back together in PBDS.

After the Sunday polls, PBDS has six MPs - Joseph Salang (Julau), Jawah Gerang (Lubok Antu), Joseph Entulu (Selangau), Billy Abit Joo (Hulu Rajang), Aaron Dagang (Kanowit) and Jimmy Donald (Sri Aman).