Perikatan unveils shadow cabinet
KUALA LUMPUR: Perikatan Nasional (PN) unveiled its shadow cabinet yesterday.
Coalition chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who announced the shadow cabinet, is the head or prime minister.
Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang was named deputy prime minister.
The shadow cabinet saw Putrajaya member of parliament Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin given the finance portfolio; Tanah Merah MP Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz in defence; Kota Baru MP Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan in home; and, Indera Mahkota MP Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah in education and higher education.
Jerantut MP Khairil Nizam Khirudin was given the transport portfolio; Beluran MP Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee in agriculture and food security; and, Kuala Langat MP Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi in health.
Guar Chempedak MP Datuk Dr Ku Abdul Rahman Ku Ismail was given the international trade and industry portfolio, and Masjid Tanah MP Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin in law and institutional reform.
Arau MP Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim was given the rural and regional development portfolio, and Padang Serai MP Datuk Azman Nasrudin in plantation and commodities.
Muhyiddin said this after a meeting with the coalition’s leaders here yesterday.
He said the coalition’s 74 MPs possessed expertise, skills and experience that could be put to good use.
“We want to be an effective and responsible opposition.
“What is the DNA of Perikatan Nasional (PN)? One may ask this since the coalition is new.
“We are made up of knowledgeable MPs who carry with them years of experience in agriculture, economy, environment and education.”
He said PN would issue policy statements on local and international matters, such as economy, defence and security.
These issues would also be presented in Parliament, he added.
“PN has set up an expert research team to help our MPs boost their knowledge and expertise.”
He said PN had reached a consensus to push for the Shared Prosperity Policy, which the previous government had presented under the 12th Malaysia Plan.