PONTIAN - The positions of Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) from Sabah, Sarawak and West Malaysia that would be created by Barisan Nasional (BN) is not a waste, says Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
He said the DPM positions were seen as much better compared to the four senior ministers at the time.
"There are those who say three DPM positions is a waste, but in my views, we can revoke the four senior minister positions and replace them with three DPMs.
"If it is considered big (wastage), we could reduce their salaries and allowance not to make it too big.
"Three DPMs are seen as the best choice especially in Sabah and Sarawak because it could aid the Prime Minister," he said.
He said this when met at a press conference after attending a Deepavali open house at the Pontian MIC Division Chief Ajit Johl, here, on Monday.
On Sunday, BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi suggested the DPM position from Sabah and Sarawak be placed in the Sabah BN manifesto.
He said the suggestion was brought up for the Sabah BN manifesto to be suggested to the prime minister if the dominant party formed the government in Putrajaya in the 15th General Election (GE15).
On Aug 27, last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced the position of four senior ministers.
They were the Senior International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein, Senior Education Minister Datuk Dr Radzi Md Jidin and Senior Public Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
The former Pontian MP said the DPM position suggestion in the BN manifesto was a game changer for BN compared to other parties contesting in GE15.
"We know all this time that Sabah and Sarawak weren’t given a chance as the role of Prime Minister and DPM, but now in the BN Manifesto, the DPM position from Sabah and Sarawak was announced by the Umno President.
"This matter surely to represent something that is enough for the people in Sabah and Sarawak," he said.