New Cabinet reflects racial and state integrity, says analyst

KUALA LUMPUR: The new Pakatan Harapan Government reflects racial and state integrity as well as recognition for women in the country, says political analyst Prof Dr Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmood.

He said the participation of various communities in the Cabinet also mirrored the democratic practices in the country as well as the coali tion of political parties which won the 14th General Election.

“The diverse racial mix and educational levels are important elements because they provide a strong foundation for the ministers and deputy ministers to perform their duties effectively,” he said yesterday.

Of the 26 ministers and 23 deputy ministers, five ministers were from the Chinese community, Indian (three), Kadazandusun (one), Lun Bawang (one) and Malays (16).

Among the deputy ministers, seven were Chinese and one Indian.

For the first time, the Federal Cabinet included five women ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and four women deputy ministers.

Meanwhile, National Council of Women’s Organisations (NCWO) president, Tan Sri Dr Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hasan, said the appointment of five women ministers and four deputy ministers in the Cabinet would lift the prestige of women as government policymakers.

“These appointments were made not just to fill the quota, but they (ministers and deputy ministers) were chosen based on their qualifications and capabilities.

“The NCWO congratulates the ministers who were appointed and we are very grateful for the participation of women. We offer our thanks to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for the trust given to women,” she said.