Ewon Benedick says he hopes the opposition will keep the government in check.
KUALA LUMPUR: A federal minister has urged all parties to give Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his Cabinet a chance to prove themselves.
“My message (to all) is that the Agong has already consented to the formation of this government, so we should let the government carry out its duties,” Ewon Benedick, the incoming Upko president, told FMT.
The entrepreneur development and cooperatives minister said the new government has no time to lose and that all ministers must prove Anwar was right to appoint them.
Anwar’s Cabinet comprises 15 ministers from Pakatan Harapan, six from Barisan Nasional, five from Gabungan Parti Sarawak, one from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, and a senator.
Among the PH parties, PKR has eight ministers, DAP (four), Amanah (two) and Upko (one).
Some parties had questioned the composition of the Cabinet and some appointments.
“There will always be those who are dissatisfied with whatever the prime minister decides,” said Ewon, adding that it was time to move on.
He said what was important was each minister’s performance and the ability to deliver.
Ewon, the Penampang MP, also said the opposition will play a crucial role in ensuring the ministers perform to the best of their ability.
“I welcome the role played by the opposition in ensuring checks and balances in the government,” he said.
On his massive victory in the general election, Ewon said he believed the people of Penampang wanted a new MP.
The other factors, he said, included the people’s desire for a new prime minister and a government that had Sabah’s best interests at heart.
“I believe this was why the people of Penampang gave me a huge majority. That’s why I said it is time for us to work and deliver.”
Ewon won the Penampang seat with a 14,410-vote majority against three others, including the former MP, Darell Leiking of Warisan.