IT is the prime minister’s prerogative to appoint a deputy or maintain the current system of four senior ministers in his cabinet, said Annuar Musa, amid speculation three Umno top guns are in line to fill the post.

Umno’s deputy president Mohamad Hasan, vice-president Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Hishammuddin Hussein are the names bandied as candidates for the post of deputy prime minister.

“Let’s relax and calm down and cease politicking. The creation of the deputy prime minister’s post is the prerogative of the person who has been sworn in as prime minister,” Annuar said at a press conference today in Putrajaya.

“Give the PM space (to decide) without any pressure,” the Umno Supreme Councillor said.

Annuar, who is federal territories minister, said as the deputy would serve as the prime minister’s right-hand man, it was important that the candidate be someone who could work with the leader.

“I hope all parties calm down when it comes to this issue. It is okay if the PM feels there is no need for a deputy prime minister and he wants to keep the system of four senior ministers or if he has changed his mind and wants a deputy – it is up to him,” he said.

 “It is not wrong to give your opinion or suggestion but there is no need to create a situation where the PM is pressured.”

The News Straits Times today reported defence minister Hishammuddin and Mohamad were contenders for the position. In the case of Mohamad, lacking a seat in parliament, he would have to be appointed to the Senate to qualify for the office 

Senior Minister Fadillah Yusof of GPS is also speculated to be among the candidates under consideration.

Muhyiddin Yassin chose to dispense with a deputy when selecting his cabinet in March, appointing four senior ministers instead to be in charge of four key portfolios 

The four senior cabinet members are Ismail (defence), Fadillah (works), Mohamed Azmin Ali (international trade and industry) and Mohd Radzi Jidin (education). – October 29, 2020.