New Straits Times

DR M: NO CABINET RESHUFFLE

But there may be changes in portfolio, says PM

- HASHINI KAVISHTRI KANNAN hashini@nstp.com.my

PRIME Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has denied rumours of cabinet reshuffle, but said there may be changes in portfolios involving several ministers.

“There is no cabinet reshuffle, no new ministers.

“I told the cabinet, maybe there will be a slight change in portfolios. But nothing has been decided yet.

“If there is a change (in portfolios), I will let you know,” he said after attending the second series of meetings with the civil servants here.

Dr Mahathir rejected claims that former internatio­nal trade and industry minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamad would be roped in as part of the reshuffle.

“No... there’s not going to be any reshuffle,” he added.

A news report claimed that Dr Mahathir had informed ministers at the cabinet meeting on the possibilit­y of a reshuffle of portfolios, with changes to be announced as early as this week.

When asked which ministry portfolios would be replaced, Dr Mahathir said; “I cannot reveal now, I will reveal at a later time.”

He also said the cabinet ministers, after serving more than a year, are now more capable of carrying out their duties compared with when they first started.

“We have seen their performanc­e. All those things are taken into considerat­ion (for portfolio reshuffle),” he added.

Earlier in his speech, he said the Pakatan Harapan government was committed to ensuring the country’s financial stability and dismissed claims that the government was inconsider­ate.

“If we used the money that we borrow or steal to show that we care, then in the end we will face bigger problems.

“If we allocate more money for operations, we will not have money for any developmen­t.

“When we are short of money for developmen­t, we will have to borrow money and this will result in huge deficit,” he added.

 ?? PIC BY AHMAD IRHAM MOHD NOOR ?? Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad attending the second series of meetings with the civil servants in Putrajaya yesterday. With them is Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Bakar (second from left).
PIC BY AHMAD IRHAM MOHD NOOR Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad attending the second series of meetings with the civil servants in Putrajaya yesterday. With them is Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Bakar (second from left).

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