Cabinet reshuffle necessary for smooth national transformation - Syed Hamid

This was expressed by former Home Minister Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar who regarded the action as necessary so that any decision or view related to the national transformation policy could be implemented smoothly and effectively.

"We don't see anything extraordinary being carried out...he (Najib) is mostly focusing on wanting to create a Cabinet team which can support and carry the transformation policy to a level he wants.

"In his statement, Najib said the decision was made based on political interests. To me it clearly shows that the element of political stability was the key in making such a decision," he said when contacted by Bernama today.

He was commenting on the Cabinet reshuffle which was announced by the Prime Minister in Putrajaya ealier Tuesday.

The reshuffle saw the appointment of Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as the new Deputy Prime Minister to replace Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, other than the appointment of seven new ministers and the dropping of four ministers.

Meanwhile, Cheras UMNO division chief, Datuk Seri Syed Ali Syed Abbas Al-Habshee said changes in the Cabinet was the prerogative of the Prime Minister as the head of the national executive body.

He said although there were opinions saying that the dropping of Muhyiddin was connected to his vocal attitude in making a stand, what was important was that the decision of the Prime Minister was for political stability in the country.

Meanwhile, Kelantan UMNO information chief Datuk Md Alwi Che Ahmad said dropping Muhyiddin as DPM might cause unhappiness among certain quarters but all parties must realise that the number two person in the nation must always be in line with the vision and aspiration of the Prime Minister.

"Always remember that when you are number two, you must always complement the number one. Any problems or differing opinions must be voiced via the right channel," he said.