ALL EYES ON ISMAIL SABRI’S CABINET PICKS
A small ‘war cabinet’, made up of MPs who can work for the people, is new PM’s best bet at a strong tenure, say analysts
AFTER weeks of grappling with political uncertainty, the attention of the country has now shifted to who Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob will pick for his cabinet.
Immediately after the Bera member of parliament was sworn in as the country’s ninth prime minister at Istana Negara yesterday, a number of lists purported to be his cabinet line-up that were either spread by supporters or detractors, were making their rounds on social media.
Analysts say that whoever is chosen in this line-up will reflect on the Umno vice-president’s capability as a leader.
The people are also desperate for a government capable of taking the country out of the health and economic crises unleashed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Associate Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the formation of Ismail Sabri’s cabinet will determine not only the image, direction and policies likely to be implemented by the new government but also influence the people’s hopes and confidence towards his leadership.
“All eyes are on Ismail Sabri’s new cabinet; whether its composition will be all about pleasing his (political) supporters (MPs who endorsed his candidacy as the new prime minister) or if it will comprise MPs who are able to work for the people.
“It’s about whether he will maintain the size of a cabinet similar to that of his predecessor’s, which was widely criticised by detractors and general observers, or if his cabinet will be more functional and assertive.
“All of this will not only influence the perception of the people of him, but also their support for his party and political alliance,” said Awang Azman, who is attached to Universiti Malaya’s Department of Socio-Culture, Academy of Malay Studies.
Other political observers expressed concern about news suggesting that the support for Ismail
Sabri for the prime ministerial position came from political parties aligned with the Perikatan Nasional (PN) bloc.
This, they said, would affect the lifespan of Ismail Sabri’s government.
To address such a bleak future, analysts suggested the new PM have a small arrangement, similar to a war cabinet, and opposition MPs as part of the National Recovery Council (NRC), which will boost his image and extend the longevity of his government.
Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Professor Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said this small cabinet should comprise those with the necessary expertise, ability to deliver on time, and readiness to be team players in Ismail Sabri’s government.
“He can expand the NRC to include not only those (his allies) who are keen to address the pandemic, but also opposition MPs so that it is in line with the king’s decree for cooperation between all political parties to be formed.
“He should start with that, so that the ability to form a bipartisan council, although not a unity government cabinet as expected, will be a part of his legacy.”
By expanding the council, Sivamurugan said Ismail Sabri could avoid a bloated cabinet like what happened under the previous leadership, which had 70 ministers and deputies.
“By doing this, Ismail Sabri could strengthen the cordial relationship within PN, and at the same time extend an olive branch to the opposition. This would allow him to have a better relationship
with the palace as well.
“It is not the time to bow to demands (from Barisan Nasional) as Ismail Sabri must be firm in order to boost his popularity and he can rebrand himself by doing so.”
Sivamurugan added that Ismail Sabri could appoint and retain qualified and performing MPs to strengthen his cabinet and avoid criticism from day one of his administration.
Echoing similar sentiments is political analyst Azmi Hassan.
He said since the 15th General Election was not far away, a full-blown cabinet would not make sense.
“We know not all ministries are directly involved in the matter (of addressing the Covid-19 pandemic). If a full-blown cabinet is structured by Ismail Sabri, it would mean he is doing what PN did before, where ministries were created as a ‘thank you’ to their supporters (MPs) who backed him.”
Azmi said the need to have a smaller cabinet was urgent due to the Covid-19 situation in the country, and added that it must largely consist of new faces.
“The order of the day after his swearing-in is the swift appointment of at least two or three ministers, especially (for ministries) that deal with the pandemic and policy matters involving the Covid-19 booster shots.
“If he wants to assure the people that his cabinet is focused on Covid-19, do no re-elect the previous
ministers as there are a lot of other parliamentarians who can work it out in the particular ministry.”
Awang Azman added that as the people were still suffering from the pandemic-induced crisis, Ismail Sabri had to craft a stronger and more efficient formula to help the country rise above challenges posed by this difficult period.
“There is no doubt that Ismail Sabri is facing a daunting task in leading the country, especially when the number of daily Covid19 cases is still high and many people are still suffering from the economic impact of the pandemic. Hence, he has to be bold in his approach and roll out a budget with extraordinary amounts of allocation.”
While there is no guarantee of the lifespan of his cabinet, Awang Azman said Ismail Sabri could leave a lasting impression even within the shortest period of tenureship if he pledges his commitment to implementing institutional reforms.
This, said Awang Azman, included ensuring the Election Commission, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the Registrar of Societies were free from any form of political interference from the executive body.
“He should also consider implementing Undi18, which the youth have been clamouring for.
“Committing towards and implementing all these institutional reforms while focusing on efforts to battle the pandemic will, perhaps, consolidate the support from the people not only for him, but also his party.”