PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim does not want to continue with past governments practices of appointing ministers as reward for political support and is determined to reduce the size of his cabinet.

The Pakatan Harapan chairman said that the government shouldn’t be seen as rewarding political masters. 

“I want them to support me based on my policies and commitment to good governance, my anti-corruption drive and resuscitation of the economy,” he said in Putrajaya today after chairing the 2022 National Action Council on Cost of Living meeting.

It was attended by officials from government departments and agencies.

Among the high-ranking government officials present were Chief Secretary to the Government Mohd Zuki Ali, Bank Negara Malaysia governor Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus, and officials from the Statistics Department, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, Finance Ministry, Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry, as well as the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry.

Anwar, however said that some positions can be considered if its absolutely necessary.  

“My decision is to reduce the size of cabinet. There are 70 ministers, special envoys and advisers. 

“But, I agree that the country needs to function as the PM has already been appointed.  

“The entire team (cabinet) must be selected, so we can begin work.”

Earlier, Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said Anwar’s cabinet must set a high standard and must exclude lawmakers with ongoing court cases.

He said this is important as it will help avoid questions of integrity even if their cases are still pending.

“Ideally, those with court cases should not be in the cabinet to prevent issues arising further down the line,” Nik Nazmi was quoted as saying by Malay-language daily Sinar Harian. 

At present, lawmakers with court cases include Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng and Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

Experts have also said it is time for Anwar to deliver his promises for reforms, especially in building a lean cabinet adept at handling the needs of the nation. 

They said he must also get rid of unnecessary ministerial positions, such as special envoys and special advisers.

Anwar, who took office on Thursday, said the following day that his cabinet would feature a leaner line-up. 

He also said ministers may have their salaries reduced.

The Tambun MP said the proposal to slash the salaries of ministers and reduce the size of the cabinet is currently being discussed, and that his line-up of ministers will be unveiled soon.

“The size of the cabinet will surely be smaller and I’m asking new ministers to agree with my proposal to lower their salaries,” he said. 

“This is still in the process of discussion and preparation.”

Under former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s administration, there were 32 ministers and 38 deputies, while former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob had a cabinet of 31 ministers with 38 deputies. 

They were both forced to create supersized cabinets to ensure support for them could be maintained. – November 27, 2022.