Adenan opts for continuity

New Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem has taken over the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Resource Planning and Environment.

Both portfolios were previously held by his predecessor Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, who is now Yang di-Pertua Negeri.

However, Adenan left the state cabinet he inherited from Taib intact aside from relinquishing the Special Functions portfolio he held before he was sworn-in as Sarawak’s fifth Chief Minister on Feb 28.

At a press conference after the swearing-in of the state cabinet, Adenan said he was no longer Minister for Special Functions and Minister in the Chief Minister’s office effective March 1.

The Special Functions portfolio, he said, would be left vacant “until such time when the position is required to be filled, if that ever happens”.

On keeping the cabinet line-up at status quo, Adenan said: “When you’re on to something good, you stick to it. We’re heading in the right direction, why change horses midstream?”

Asked if there was any plan to appoint another deputy chief minister, Adenan said the matter was being contemplated, and he would announce it at an appropriate time and place.

To another question whether the state would have three deputy chief ministers, he replied: “I’ll announce it at a proper time and proper place. There is no rush over the matter.”

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang led the state cabinet line-up comprising eight ministers and 19 assistant ministers in taking their oaths of office in front of the Taib and his wife Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib at the Dewan Lapau.

Also present to witness the swearing-in ceremony were Adenan’s wife Puan Sri Dato Jamilah Anu, State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Abdul Ghani and State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar.