A DAP lawmaker today called Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein a “secret agent” for Prime Minister Najib Razak because his appointment as special functions minister in April has yet to be gazetted. 

Tanjong MP Ng Wei Aik said the appointment must be gazetted under the Ministerial Functions Act 1969.

“Based on our checks, his appointment is still not gazetted. The gazette must explain the tasks of special functions minister. Why can’t they inform the public what he’s (Hishammuddin) tasked with.

“Is he a secret agent tasked with taking care of Najib’s personal matters that they can’t mention what his responsibilities are?” Ng said in a press conference at the Parliament lobby.

He said the last gazette made was on the cabinet reshuffle in June last year.

In an oral question to the prime minister, Tan asked what was Hishammuddin’s job scope, responsibilities and international jurisdiction as a special functions minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Azalina Othman Said, who replied on behalf of the prime minister, said Hishammuddin’s role as special functions minister was assigned to him by the prime minister “from time to time”, apart from being a defence minister. – July 31, 2017.