DAP Sarawak has clarified that it will not lobby the federal government to appoint a second deputy prime minister (DPM II).

This is in light of its youth publicity secretary Abdul Aziz Isa’s call for a DPM II solely responsible for Sabah and Sarawak affairs.

Today, DAP Sarawak vice-chairperson Leon Jimat Donald (above) clarified that Abdul Aziz’s view was personal and not that of the party.

“The opinion of Abdul Aziz Isa is merely his personal statement and does not represent the position of DAP Sarawak.

“I wish to reiterate that DAP Sarawak will abide by the consensus agreed in the Pakatan Harapan election manifesto.

“The creation of the DPM II without prestige and power is for decorative purposes only and it is merely window dressing at best without any proper function.

“DAP Sarawak will focus on pushing for policies that are beneficial to all Sarawakians rather than focusing on fighting for ministerial positions,” he said in a statement.

Harapan secretary-general Saifuddin Abdullah yesterday said there was no promise of a DPM II for East Malaysia in the coalition’s 14th general election manifesto presented back in March.

Despite not making it into the eventual manifesto, Harapan had previously promised a deputy prime minister from East Malaysia in its Sabah manifesto in September last year.