KOTA KINABALU, July 28 — Newly-minted minister Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau today declared his party’s support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who he described as the right man to lead the country towards “Vision 2020 and beyond”.

The United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) acting president said they pledged to support Najib’s administration through the turbulence currently faced by the country.

“It is a trying times for the country. But I am sure the Prime Minister has what it takes to captain us, through the rough seas, towards the realisation of Vision 2020 and beyond,” he said in a statement.

“We have said it before. We say it again today. Upko is in the arena with you,” he said, referring to Najib.

Earlier today, Najib removed Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as deputy prime minister and education minister in his Cabinet reshuffle, ostensibly for openly questioning the prime minister’s links to the 1Malaysia Development Board (1MDB) financial debacle.

Apart from Muhyiddin, four other ministers were culled while eight new ministers including Wilfred were appointed.

Wilfred takes over the science, technology and innovation portfolio from his party vice president, Datuk Ewon Ebin who has been dropped from the new line up.

“I am also mindful of our party vice president Datuk Ewon Ebin. He had done his best as our party leader and MOSTI minister,” he said.