‘Set up Cabinet properly’

Don’t choose ministers haphazardly like cowboys, says Abdul Rahman

PETALING JAYA: The selection of Cabinet ministers should be done in accordance with the Constitution and not “cowboy-style”, says Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan.

The Umno supreme council member said the party hopes the Cabinet will be set up properly to ensure the welfare of the people.

“Selecting Cabinet ministers haphazardly like cowboys would cause our nation to lose respect and integrity,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Abdul Rahman, who is a former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, said the announcement of DAP secretary- general Lim Guan Eng as the Finance Minister caused a negative public reaction.

He said the Cabinet should be formed as quickly as possible to ensure the country functions as normal.

“The business of running the country has to be prioritised over other considerations.

“However, it has been a week since the elections and yet there is still no sign of a clear Cabinet of ministers,” he said.

Abdul Rahman said Umno wants the newly formed Pakatan Harapan government to govern well while also fulfilling the promises it made in its manifesto within the first 100 days of its administration.

“The people are watching. This all includes giving autonomy to Sabah and Sarawak as well as increasing oil royalties up to 15% for Sabah, Sarawak, Terengganu and Kelantan.”

Lim was among the three top Pakatan leaders named by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to his Cabinet on Saturday.

However, on Monday, the Prime Minister clarified that Lim, the former Penang Chief Minister, can only be officially appointed Finance Minister if and after he is cleared of his corruption case involving land use and the purchase of a bungalow in Penang.