Fahmi: Cabinet was determined by all parties

PETALING JAYA: It is unfair to solely criticise Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the Cabinet line-up, which was also determined by the parties and coalitions in the unity government, says Fahmi Fadzil (pic).

The Pakatan Harapan communications director and newly-appointed Digital Communications Minister said having the parties and coalitions nominating their candidates was crucial to avoid internal conflict.

“Maybe Tan Sri Muhyiddin (Yassin) forgot, but this is not a Pakatan Harapan government where the Prime Minister can appoint whoever he wants.

“This is a unity government that is formed jointly, where important policies or decisions will be made in consultation, including the appointment of ministers,” said Fahmi.

He added that this is an important change to avoid mistakes that have occurred in every administration since

2018, where the appointment of the Cabinet is often made not according to the party’s main leadership.

“At that time, we witnessed ‘cartel groups’ in the party being weaponised and creating a ‘party within a party’ situation that ultimately disrupted the party’s internal political stability.

“So, (with it being) different from the previous three administrations, and realising what has happened, the Prime Minister and the leaders of parties and coalitions in this unity government agreed that the list of candidates for the Cabinet ministers would be determined by their respective parties or coalitions,” Fahmi said.

He also reiterated Anwar’s commitment that the government would never interfere with judicial affairs in any case.

Anwar on Friday announced the list of 28 Cabinet ministers, which included two deputy prime ministers, Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chief parliamentary whip Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

Ahmad Zahid’s appointment was criticised by many as he is still standing trial for 47 charges of criminal breach of trust, corruption and money laundering involving tens of millions of ringgit belonging to Yayasan Akalbudi, the charity organisation he founded.

Muhyiddin had said earlier yesterday that Anwar has reneged on the promises of good governance he touted during the GE15 campaign period when he named his Cabinet line-up.

Labelling it as the “most disappointing line-up in the country’s history”, Muhyiddin said having Ahmad Zahid, who has a corruption case pending, in his Cabinet line-up was akin to selling the nation’s dignity, simply because of his (Anwar’s) desire to become prime minister.

“This kleptocrat Cabinet, formed on the basis of fraud against the people’s mandate, does not have any legitimacy to function as the country’s highest executive body,” Muhyiddin had said.