PRIME Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is not planning on a cabinet reshuffle anytime soon as he is happy with the performance of his ministers.

“I don’t see any reason why I should restructure the cabinet. There will be no cabinet reshuffle,” he said during a special interview ahead of the Pakatan Harapan government’s first anniversary.

He said he is happy with the performance of his cabinet, most of whom are first time ministers and still learning the ropes of administration.

On rating their performances, the premier took a conservative approach and gave his cabinet a five out of 10.

“I’m very conservative because I’ve been in the government for 22 years. I know how the government function but these people are new,” he said on the rating he had given his cabinet.

He said some ministers are afraid of coming off the wrong way or being accused of any wrongdoings and this sometimes affects their decision making.

However, the prime minister said the ministers are learning fast and, with time, they will be as good as any experience statesman.

Dr Mahathir said while the ministers sometimes turn to him for guidance, there are also times where they have acted without consulting him.

“Sometimes they will do something without consulting me that should not be done. Creating some minor problems and all that, but they learn.

“Sometimes they get bad publicity because of what they do then they come to me to ask what has be done,” said Dr Mahathir.

He said as a prime minister, it is his duty to listen to the problems of his cabinet members.

The Bersatu chairman who served 22 years as prime minister during his previous stint in office, said ministers have the right to make their own decision.

He added they can turn to him when they run into difficulties or need guidance. – May 6, 2019.