KUCHING: Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof's extensive experience in federal adminstration makes the Petra Jaya member of parliament the only candidate from Sarawak who has been named to fill the post of deputy prime minister in the unity government.

Appointed as deputy science, technology and innovation minister in 2008, Fadillah was promoted as works minister in 2013.

His position as senior works minister in then prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob's cabinet since Aug 30 last year strengthens the argument that he is qualified to hold the No. 2 position in the federal government.

A Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) source revealed that since the announcement by Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional to appoint deputy prime ministers from Sarawak and Sabah before the 15th General Election, Fadillah's name has been touted by the Sarawak coalition to fill the position. 

According to the source, Fadillah's position as chief whip of GPS in Parliament, besides being trusted as a senior minister, which is equivalent to a deputy prime minister's post, makes him the most qualified person.

"GPS' 23 seats in Parliament are also the largest among the Borneo bloc and the third highest among coalitions in the unity government," the source said.

In fact, the source added, Fadillah had valuable experience as he had served under four prime ministers, namely Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Ismail Sabri.

This, he said, added to Fadillah's qualifications to be appointed as deputy prime minister.

"For the people of Sarawak and Sabah, Fadillah's authority cannot be denied because he oversaw the construction of the first highway in Borneo, which is nearing completion."

As for filling cabinet ministerial positions, the GPS source said those who had the trust of the previous government would almost certainly continue to be cabinet members of the unity government.

"So far, we have heard no alternative names other than Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri and Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

"But there is also the possibility of veterans, including Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem (Serian), Datuk Henry Sum Agong (Lawas), and Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (Bintulu), being appointed as ministers," he said.

The cabinet list, he added, was discussed among the leadership, but that did not mean that GPS was pushing Anwar to accept it.

"If the position of deputy prime minister is vacant, yes, it is appropriate for Fadillah to go there, but for the position of minister and deputy minister, it depends on the size of the cabinet that will be determined by the prime minister."