PM says cabinet formation will take longer to consider views of all parties


Ravin Palanisamy

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says the unity government involves many parties, so more time is needed before naming his 'leaner' Cabinet. – Anwar Ibrahim Twitter pic, November 28, 2022.

PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the naming of the new cabinet is taking longer than expected as he has to consider the views of all parties that make up the current unity government. 

The Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, who is expected to name a “leaner” cabinet, said he would not be like recent administrations which offered positions to lawmakers to appease them.  

“This unity government involves many parties. So, before I make a decision, I have to listen to all their views.”

“The issue here is, my cabinet will be diminished (in size).”

“Back then, they wanted to have 50 (ministers) okay, 60 okay, 70 okay.” 

“If not sufficient, there are special envoys, special advisers. I won’t be able to do that,” the PKR president said after a PH presidential council meeting. 

Anwar was appointed as Malaysia’s 10th prime minister last Thursday after days of political deadlock. 

Asked whether those involved in court cases would be included in the cabinet, Anwar said that he would need to consider the views of all parties in the unity government before coming to a decision. 

“As we all know, from a legal standpoint, only when someone is sentenced can they be considered guilty, the rest, we will consider,” he said.

Anwar’s inability to give a concrete answer has created the benefit of doubt, with some suggesting that the latter’s cabinet might include Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is currently facing a court trial for 47 counts of corruption charges.

In his first press conference after his appointment as prime minister, Anwar was asked the same question where he said the matter has not been discussed, at least from the perspective of the unity government.

“This issue was raised. As for PH, our position is clear. But since it involves the issue of the unity government, we need to discuss (with the other parties that are part of the government).”

“The difference is when punishments are handed down. When there is a prosecution, if we follow PH’s stance on such matters, it will be difficult for us to continue (appointed as a Cabinet member). – November 28, 2022.


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