Saifuddin has the experience, ready to shoulder responsibility as Home Minister - Analysts

SHAH ALAM – Newly-minted Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail is ready to shoulder new responsibility as Home Minister, political analysts say.

Saifuddin had previously lost at the Kulim Bandar Baharu parliamentary seats during the 15th General Election (GE15) but despite the loss, he was named as the new Home Minister for the Pakatan Harapan unity government’s cabinet.

Political expert Dr Shamsul Baharuddin said it was not a surprise for Saifuddin to be nominated as the PKR secretary-general had previously served as a minister in the Pakatan Harapan government for 22 months.

"Saifuddin had been a loyal, strong supporter, and indeed confidante, to (Prime Minister Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim since he joined Umno in the 1990s and the most important thing is that he was a Minister before in the PH government for 22 months.

"Therefore, he has experience both at high levels of politics and administration and is readily suitable to step in as the Home Minister for Malaysia’s unity government,” he said.

Political expert Ibrahim Suffian supported the view and said that Saifuddin was experienced enough to lead such key ministry.

"The Prime Minister needs individuals with experience and his confidence to lead such key ministries, and it is not just about electoral performance," he said.

Meanwhile political analyst Professor Dr Nik Ahmad Kamal was also of the view that Saifuddin deserved something for the unity government's cabinet because he had been a loyal supporter of the Prime Minister and party.

Yesterday, Anwar had unveiled his cabinet, where he would also serve as Finance Minister in the new unity government.

Anwar also appointed Saifuddin and three others who lose during GE15 to be ministers in his cabinet which comprised of former finance minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz who has been made International Trade and Industry Minister, Barisan Nasional (BN) secretary-general Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir who has been named Foreign Affairs Minister and Chief Syarie Judge Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar who has been appointed as Religious Affairs Minister.

All four were sworn in as senators today before Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim at Parliament House at 8.30 am.