KOTA KINABALU: Sabah UMNO Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin has disclosed that he was offered a position in the Cabinet during the recent reshuffle.
However, he declined the offer in order to concentrate on the party’s preparations for Sabah’s 17th state assembly elections.
Bung emphasized that his decision was driven by his responsibilities as the Sabah UMNO chief and Sabah Barisan Nasional chairman, with the aim of strengthening the party for the upcoming elections.
Although Bung did not specify the exact portfolio or position offered, he stated that the offer itself disproves allegations that Sabah UMNO was marginalized in the Cabinet reshuffle.
These claims gained traction on social media, particularly after the exclusion of Beaufort MP Siti Aminah Aching from the Cabinet lineup.
Bung stressed that the appointment of Cabinet members is solely the prerogative of the prime minister and should not be subjected to questioning.
He urged everyone to disregard these negative claims that aim to undermine Sabah UMNO.
Bung also highlighted that while Siti Aminah was dropped, Umno vice-president Johari Ghani and Wanita Umno chief Noraini Ahmad were appointed as the ministers of plantations and commodities, and deputy minister of women, family, and community development, respectively.
He viewed these appointments as a recognition of their capabilities within the party.
