Formation of cabinet represents process of national reconciliation, says Saifuddin

He said the Prime Minister was aware that the time had come for the country to move forward with a Cabinet that reflected the image of Malaysia.

"This means (image of Malaysia) it has all groups. It is inclusive ... with Malays, Bumiputeras, non-Malays, a large portion from Sabah and Sarawak. There are women, youth.

"The main thing is that this is a good combination and from various parties...this includes PAS, a party which has not been in government for a long time. So for me, this is a national reconciliation process that is very important," Saifuddin said.

The minister said this as a guest of the 'Bicara Naratif: Barisan Kabinet Malaysia 2020' programme broadcast live on TV1 last night.

Saifuddin was sworn in as minister, along with other members of the Cabinet, in a ceremony at Istana Melawati in Putrajaya, Tuesday.

Commenting on the new Cabinet which is larger in number compared to that of the previous administration, Saifuddin explained that Pakatan Harapan (PH) had been bound by its manifesto which promised, among others, a smaller Cabinet.

"But I think Tan Sri Muhyiddin is practical. For example, he divided the education cluster into two, Education Ministry and Higher Education Ministry," he said, going on to say that it was not the number of ministers in a Cabinet that was important - instead, what was required was that all ministries were practical and functional.