Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is all set to announce a cabinet reshuffle after Douglas Uggah Embas resigned as Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister.
After winning the Bukit Saban seat in the state election held on May 7, Douglas resigned his cabinet post to assume the role of a Sarawak deputy chief minister.
The position of the deputy minister in his ministry is also vacant after the sudden death of Noriah Kasnon in a helicopter accident while campaigning in the Sarawak election on May 5.
"The federal cabinet restructuring and new appointments to fulfil current needs and vacancies will be announced in the near period, following the passing of Noriah Kasnon and Douglas Uggah's appointment (as deputy chief minister) in Sarawak," Najib said, according to AFP.
Najib, who emerged more powerful after the thumping win in the Sarawak elections, praised Douglas while accepting his resignation from the federal government. Najib appreciated his stellar performance during his time in the plantation industries and commodities ministry, including his move to stabilise the price of oil palm fruits.
"I am confident his excellent performance will also be reflected in his new position as deputy chief minister," he said.
At the same time, Najib has also expressed his grief about the helicopter tragedy in Sarawak which claimed lives of five Malaysian VIPs and the pilot.
"The Cabinet reshuffle to meet current needs and to fill the vacant posts will be announced soon, as a result of the death of Datuk Noriah Kasnon and taking into consideration the new appointment of Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah in Sarawak (as Deputy Chief Minister)," Najib said in his blog post.
