PUTRAJAYA, March 9 — A special portfolio on Sabah and Sarawak Affairs has been announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin while naming his Cabinet today.

PBS’ Kota Marudu MP Datuk Seri Maximus Johnity Ongkili has been named the minister in charge under the Prime Minister’s Department.

Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s Mukah MP Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib, who is also the daughter of Sarawak’s Yang di-Pertua Tun Pehin Abdul Taib Mahmud, will be his deputy.

"The government is serious is handling issues of development and socio-economic advancement of those in Sabah and Sarawak,” Muhyiddin said in his speech here.

He said his Cabinet will ensure that the spirit of the Malaysian Agreement 1963 will be translated in the form of policies and programmes that will benefit East Malaysians.

Last year, a Bill to amend the Federal Constitution to make Sabah and Sarawak equal partners in Malaysia was defeated in Parliament after failing to get two-thirds support due to opposition from Barisan Nasional, PAS and Gabungan Parti Sarawak MPs.