KUCHING: Sarawakians welcomed the appointment of Datuk Seri Idris Jala as a federal minister, praising Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for his decision.
Najib appointed Idris, who was Malaysia Airlines chief executive officer and managing director, as minister without portfolio in the Prime Minister's Department and chief executive officer of Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) yesterday, surprising many in Sarawak.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu said the prime minister had spotted a useful talent to help in nation-building.
"The appointment, I believe, is based on individual merit. Idris has excelled well in the corporate sector. Moreover, he is well-qualified and had been credited with rescuing MAS," he said, adding that the people of Sarawak were happy that Idris had been picked to help the Federal Government.
A bank regional director, Freddie Acho Bian, believed that Idris was appointed purely for his expertise in turning losing entities into profitability.
"This was what he had done to MAS," Acho, said yesterday.
"I find the appointment interesting because the prime minister must have had something concrete and solid in mind when he decided on Idris."
He said Idris had a proven track record while at the helm at MAS and when he was holding a senior position with Shell.
Sarawak Land Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr James Masing said Idris' appointment was the personal choice of the prime minister.
"Personally, I consider Idris a good choice," said Masing, who is also Parti Rakyat Sarawak president.
However, he considered it a loss to MAS.
"He had done an excellent job in MAS, making it one of the best airlines in the region," he said, expressing confidence that Idris would do an equally good job in the Prime Minister's Department.
Masing, who was also surprised with the appointment, said he was sure Idris would make his fellow people of Sarawak proud.
Federation of Orang Ulu Associations of Malaysia (Forum) president Lihan Jok said the appointment was a recognition accorded to the Orang Ulu community.
"We praise the prime minister for the appointment. We believe it was a bold move. I hope Idris will play a meaningful role as the minister and in the context of a larger area within Malaysia."
Lihan, who is also the Telang Usan state assemblyman, said the appointment of a member of a minority group to the cabinet proved that Najib truly believed in what he preached under the 1Malaysia concept.
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