MUHYIDDIN Yassin’s criticism against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for appointing Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as deputy prime minister was uncalled for as the formation of the new cabinet was agreed upon by all three parties under the unity government, Fahmi Fadzil said.

The Pakatan Harapan (PH) communications director said Muhyiddin should know better that the current government is not the PH government for Anwar to appoint whomever he wants to.

“Maybe Muhyiddin forgot, but this is not the Pakatan Harapan government, this is a unity government that was jointly formed, where important policies or decisions will be made in consultation, including in the issue of appointing the cabinet of ministers.

“This is an important change to avoid mistakes that have occurred in every administration since 2018, where the appointment of the cabinet is often made not according to the party’s main leadership channels,” said the Lembah Pantai MP.

Earlier today, Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Muhyiddin slammed Anwar for appointing a kleptocrat to his cabinet.

The former prime minister was referring to Anwar appointing Zahid as his deputy despite earlier being vocal on clean governance.

“This is the most disappointing cabinet line-up in the country’s history, when a person who has been told to enter his defence on 47 charges of criminal breach of trust, corruption, and money-laundering, is appointed deputy prime minister.

“Anwar’s act is akin to selling the country’s dignity so he can remain prime minister,” the Pagoh MP said in a statement on Facebook.

Responding further, Fahmi reminded Muhyiddin that the current government was also consented to by the Agong.

“Muhyiddin did not just hurl slander but made outrageous accusations against the prime minister and the unity government, who were appointed and formed on the advice of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“If Muhyiddin is not satisfied, do not get angry or throw accusations at the prime minister, because it is not the prime minister who names candidates from other parties or coalitions.

“It is important for me to stress the prime minister’s commitment that this unity government will never interfere with judicial affairs in any case,” said Fahmi. – December 3, 2022.