DR M: NO INTENTION TO RESHUFFLE CABINET

Prime Minister says it is difficult to assess performance within such short time

PRIME Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has ended speculation about any immediate cabinet reshuffle, making it clear he had no intention to do so.

“As far as I’m concerned, we are only a six-month-old cabinet. It’s difficult to assess the performance within such a short time.

“I don’t want to be changing freely because it can lead to a lack of confidence,” he said at a press conference here yesterday.

The Prime Minister, however, said while he had no intention of reshuffling the cabinet, other Pakatan Harapan component members might want it.

He said he would have to consider their views if that happens.

Asked about the performance of some ministers, which had come under criticism, Dr Mahathir said they should be given a chance.

“We will talk to them. I must admit that they are not familiar with being in the government. They are familiar with being in the opposition. So some of the things they do reflect their position as opposition people.”

Asked how much more leeway he was going to give to the under-performing ministers, Dr Mahathir said he could not say.

Speculation about the cabinet reshuffle has swirled for weeks amid public criticism of several ministers, most of whom are in the government for the first time.

In an interview with the Straits Times on Tuesday, Dr Mahathir said he had the final say on cabinet appointments, but did not rule out making changes if PKR was to make nominations and he approved the candidates.