The cabinet line-up of the new coalition government announced on Monday caught many by surprise as unlike previous tradition, not all major party leaders were made ministers.
For the first time, the new government under Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, did not include several party presidents in the cabinet including UMNO president, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.
MIC president, S Vigneswaran and Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu Sarawak (PBB) president who is also Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman, Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Abang Openg were seen left out of ministerial positions.
The division of posts in the cabinet according to party saw 10 Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) MPs; nine UMNO members; PBB (four); PAS (three); and one each from Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), MIC and MCA appointed to head ministries.
The Bersatu members are Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali (International Trade and Industry Minister); Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin (Education Minister); Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed (Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Economy); Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof (Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Special Functions); and Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun (Women and Family Development Minister).
Apart from that, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin (Home Minister); Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister); Datuk Dr Abd Latiff Ahmad (Rural Development Minister); Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah (Communications and Multimedia Minister); and Zuraida Kamaruddin (Housing and Local Government Minister).
The cabinet ministers from UMNO are Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (Defence Minister); Tan Sri Annuar Musa (Federal Territories Minister); Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad (Higher Education Minister); Datuk Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (Energy and Natural Resources Minister); Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba (Health Minister);
Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein (Foreign Minister); Khairy Jamaluddin (Science, Technology and Innovation Minister); Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique (National Unity Minister); and Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican (Youth and Sports Minister).
The cabinet this time also witnessed PAS returning to the federal government after joining the Alliance coalition government from 1973 to 1974 and Barisan Nasional (BN) from 1974 to 1977.
The PAS representatives appointed as ministers are Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan as Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law); PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (Environment Minister) and Datuk Dr Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali (Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister).
Members of PBB appointed as ministers are Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (Works Minister); Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi (Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister); Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister); and Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri (Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister).
Parti Bersatu Sabah saw its president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili selected as Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs), while MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong was made Transport Minister while MIC deputy president Datuk Seri Saravanan Murugan (Human Resource Minister).
Meanwhile, the two professionals who were appointed as Senators to fill the ministerial portfolios are CIMB Group Holdings Bhd chief executive officer Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz as Finance Minister and Federal Territories Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri as Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs).
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Mar 09 2020
For the first time, the new government under Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, did not include several party presidents in the cabinet.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.