Cabinet posts are not rewards: PM Anwar

By FARAH SHAZWANI ALI & NUR IFTITAH ROZLAN

27 Nov 2022 04:31pm

Anwar during a press conference after chairing the Special Meeting of the National Livelihood Action Council. Photo by Bernama.

PUTRAJAYA - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is not scrambling to finalise his first Cabinet appointments to avoid hurried appointments which may lead to negative public perception, such as those that might be labelled as 'spoils of war' rewards.

He instead wants the appointed Cabinet members to support him on the basis of his policies and commitment to good governance, combating corruption and the country's economic growth.

According to Anwar, discussions are still underway with Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders and are expected to take a few more days.

"It is still being discussed. In a few days, insya-Allah (God willing) we will present the proposal," said Anwar.

The Prime Minister reiterated his pledge of a vastly shrunk Cabinet compared to his predecessors Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who ran Cabinets with over 70 ministers and deputy ministers.

"I will still reduce the size of the Cabinet. I do not want to appoint over 70 ministers with the aim of over-rewarding them for supporting me," said Anwar.

"I want them to support me on the basis of policy and commitment to good governance, fighting corruption and economic growth," he said.

He was speaking at a press conference after chairing a special meeting of the National Livelihood Action Council at the Prime Minister's Office, here on Sunday.

Anwar, who is also PH chairman, acknowledged that the discussion to finalise the Cabinet members of the unity government might not be concluded as swiftly as expected, as it would also depend on proposals from Barisan Nasional, GPS, GRS, Warisan and others.

"Of course it will take time. I need to talk to other coalition party leaders including the three other parties in PH. The meeting with Sarawak Parties Alliance (GPS) chairman who is also the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Zohari Tun Openg went well yesterday (Saturday) at my house.

"They also have a working committee that can give recommendations on Cabinet members. This evening (Sunday), I will discuss with the GRS led by the Chief Minister of Sabah Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and I also need to discuss with the Parti Warisan (Warisan)," he explained.