DR Mahathir Mohamad is returning as education minister, reprising a role he played as a younger man in the 1970s.

His decision to handle the much-politicised portfolio will be welcomed by Malaysians, who have watched in horror as a once proud system stumbled into mediocrity.

The prime minister today said his deputy, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, will handle the women’s affairs and welfare portfolio.

He previously announced that Muhyiddin Yassin will be made home minister, Lim Guan Eng (finance minister) and Mohamad Sabu (defence minister).

Dr Mahathir said the five will take their oath of office on Monday if the palace gives it consent.

He said he will decide on another eight ministers later, and that the decision will not be based on the strength of individual Pakatan Harapan parties.

“Some parties will have more reps than others,” he said during a press conference after a PH presidential council meeting in Petaling Jaya.

The PH chairman added that the government will not practise nepotism.

He said candidates for ministers’ posts will be selected based on individual merit, and not because they are “related to so and so”.

He also said the government will downsize the cabinet to 25 ministers and deputy ministers.

“If there are future needs, we will increase the number of cabinet members.” – May 17, 2018.