Cabinet posts not reward for support

PM wants to end ‘extravagant manner’ of appointing ministers, deputies in exchange for political support

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that the appointment of Cabinet members will not be a reward for supporting the formation of his government.

He also reiterated that the three main component coalitions, namely Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN) and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), would be consulted over the appointments, while pledging to stick to his promise to reduce both Cabinet numbers and salaries.

“I want to reduce the size of the Cabinet. I don’t want to continue this extravagant manner of employing or appointing ministers as a point of reward.

“So you have 70 ministers with special envoys... of course, we can consider one or two when it is absolutely necessary, but it should not be seen as rewarding political masters in order to support me (as prime minister),” he said during a press conference a er chairing a special meeting of the 2022 National Action Council on the Costing of Living here yesterday.

He also said that the new government frontline will have to abide by anti-corruption commitments and prioritise the national economic development.

“I want them to support me based on my policies and my commitment to good governance and my commitment to anticorruption and to resuscitate the economy,’’ he added.

On Saturday, it was reported that Anwar said the size of his Cabinet would be reduced and that he is also seeking the agreement of ministerial candidates to reduce their salaries.

Anwar was earlier reported to have said that the Cabinet would have a maximum of 25 ministers, compared to the 31 under the previous administration.

On when the Cabinet line-up will be announced, he said it would be in the next few days as he is currently in discussion with the coalition members including three main parties in Pakatan Harapan, namely PKR, DAP and Amanah and United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko).

“I had a very good meeting with the Sarawak Premier Tan

I want them to support me based on my policies and my commitment to good governance and my commitment to anti-corruption and to resuscitate the economy.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim

Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg (Gabungan Parti Sarawak chairman) yesterday (Nov 26).

“Then I’ve got to speak with Barisan Nasional representatives, they have working commi ees also to give some recommendations,” he said.

He also stressed that the issue of the rising cost of living will be given priority by his unity government to alleviate the burden shouldered by the people.

Meanwhile, Anwar yesterday welcomed the efforts of the Parti Warisan leadership towards the formation of a stable unity government.

In a Twi er post, he said it was a commitment that was made in the interest of the people of Sabah.

The post included photos of Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal’s courtesy call on the Prime Minister at his office in Putrajaya yesterday.

In the 15th general election, Warisan won three parliamentary seats, namely Semporna, Lahad Datu and Kota Belud, all in Sabah. — Malay Mail