KOTA KINABALU - Umno Sabah Chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin revealed that he was offered a position in the federal cabinet during the recent cabinet reshuffle on Tuesday.
However, the Kinabatangan MP said he declined the offer to concentrate on party responsibilities, particularly gearing up for the upcoming 17th State Election (PRN17).
"Yes, I was offered a position. However, I declined because I want to focus on my responsibilities as the Chairman of Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) Sabah to strengthen Umno's position in Sabah, which will face PRN17 soon," he said here on Thursday night.
Bung, who is also the BN Sabah chairman, stated that the offer dispels the assumption or perception by various parties that Umno Sabah was sidelined in this cabinet reshuffle.
This perception was circulated by certain parties on various social media platforms, and it gained more attention when Umno Sabah representative, Datuk Siti Aminah Aching, who was previously appointed as the Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities, was also dropped in the reshuffle.
In this regard, Bung explained that the appointment of the ministerial team was the absolute prerogative of the Prime Minister and should not be questioned by any party.
"External parties are only good at creating perceptions; we understand their motives, which are aimed at weakening Umno, especially in Sabah. So, ignore this negative perception, which only aims to weaken Umno Sabah," he said.
He further emphasised that Aminah's removal as the Deputy Minister does not reflect Umno Sabah being sidelined in the reshuffle, considering that Umno has also been given space in this new line-up.
"It can be seen when Umno Vice President Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani was appointed as the Plantation and Commodities Minister and Umno Wanita Chief Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad was brought back and appointed as the Deputy Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development.
"These appointments undoubtedly provide space based on their capacities within the party organisation," he added.