Cabinet size under Anwar’s new government depends on two factors

SHAH ALAM - The question on whether the formation of the cabinet by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would be big or small depends on two factors.

State Islamic Religious Affairs, Consumer Affairs and Halal Industry Committee chairman Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni said the first factor was the competency and capability of the individual appointed as a minister.

"A minister who is able to collaborate and lead government agencies and departments under their respective ministry.

"Secondly, fulfilling the parties’ needs to collaborate (to form a unity government). Maybe the issue of dissatisfaction arise or they want to claim more positions.

"So, to ensure a stable government, Anwar will be taking various factors so that each party that collaborates could play their role and function as a unity government,” he said.

He said this during a Sinar Live programme entitled "Cabaran Kabinet Kecil Anwar” (Anwar’s small cabinet challenge) which was broadcasted on all Sinar Harian digital platforms on Sunday.

Besides Mohd Zawawi, Sekijang MP Dr Zaliha Mustafa and Darul Ehsan Institute executive director Datuk Ismail Yusop also appeared as panellists while Fahiz Ariff was the moderator.

Meanwhile, Mohd Zawawi also hoped that the 2023 Budget tabled by the government under Anwar’s administration focused on aspects of healthcare services, education and security.

In terms of education, he said in the Klang Valley, schools were packed with students.

"In my area there are schools in which the number of students reached up to 2,000 to 3,000. There are up to 50 students in a class. This is indeed ineffective,” he said.

Besides that, Mohd Zawawi said the issue on security was also an important element as people were confident to live a more peaceful life.

"Today, we could see how sensitive issues were being heated up. Suspicions between the people. Between the Malays and non-Malays.

"If this is not curb from the beginning, I am afraid that the matter would become worse and cause instability and disharmony in the country,” he said.