KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan today slammed certain parties who had been spreading fake news that the state government is about to appoint a PAS nominated assemblyman as the state Laws and Native Affairs Minister.
“I think these people are a bit irresponsible for creating concerns about this. All these are fake news designed to create hatred and disharmony.
“We have to be careful with what we read in the news, in the WhatsApp. Nowadays there are so many rumours,” he said when addressing the media here today.
Commenting on the statement by Umno secretary general Datuk Annuar Musa about the issue, Jeffrey said it was obviously his (Annuar) opinion.
Meanwhile, to the question on Chinese representative in the cabinet, Jeffrey said they have been talks about the issue and the government is currently looking at all angles but ensured nobody will be left behind.
He said unfortunately the Chinese community seemed not to want a minister in the cabinet.
“However, we are looking after all the people including the Chinese community. We don’t look at the race, ” he said.
Jeffrey was at his office after clocking in at the Wisma Pertanian to begin his duty as the Agriculture and Food Industry Minister.
Jeffrey said the chief minister will soon announce the overall Halatuju for Sabah in a month’s time which would also include the plans for the state’s agriculture industry.
“We have a lot of potential in the agriculture industry. Obviously our focus is to activate all these potentials. Eventually, we want to be the key producer of agriculture produce and be a net exporter.
“Because of our geographical location, we want to ensure we become a major agriculture key player in this region,” he said.
He also assured that the food supply in Sabah is enough as the state is bracing for a possible lockdown due to the rising Covid-19 cases.
However, he urged the people to take precautions by obeying the Health Ministry’s SOP at all times and only leave home when absolutely necessary.-pr/BNN
