'Stronger Cabinet with MCA, Gerakan reps around'

The national leadership lineup is seen to be stronger with the re-entry of MCA and Gerakan representatives which further strengthens the involvement of all communities in the Malaysian administration.

Political analysts are of the view that the Cabinet chosen by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is also capable of continuing the various transformation agenda besides strengthening national solidarity and harmony.

Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP)'s Malaysian Institute of Royal Studies Centre director, Prof Datuk Dr Ramlah Adam said the presence of representatives from two Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties gave a positive image to the country and proved that Najib truly upholds his promises.

"Previously, the MCA pledged that it would not join the government, but Najib saw that within the last one year there was a need for representatives from the Chinese community in the Cabinet.

"What is important is that the Prime Minister fulfills his promises and has never rejected the Chinese representation in the government, thus giving a positive image to the government locally and abroad," she said when contacted by Bernama.

Najib yesterday announced the appointment of MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai as the Transport Minister, Gerakan president Datuk Mah Siew Keong and MCA deputy president Datuk Wee Ka Siong as Ministers in the Prime Minister's Department.

Also appointed were three MCA vice-presidents – Datuk Lee Chee Leong as Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister, Datuk Chua Tee Yong as Deputy Finance Minister and Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun as the Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister.

Ramlah said the appointment should also give a positive impact to the national transformation agenda, and urged the people to show their undivided support to the national leadership lineup.

"The government does not want to destroy the country, in fact it is doing its best. The people should support to ease the negative perception and controversy in the country. Otherwise, others will take advantage from the weakness," she said.

Geopolitics lecturer, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Fuad Mat Jali said the voice of the Chinese community would be more easily conveyed to the highest level with the presence of ministers and deputy ministers from the MCA and Gerakan.

"Those who are newly appointed should endeavour to get down on the ground to fulfill whatever manifesto that had been promised and to revive the confidence of the Chinese community towards the parties," he said.

He said the absence of the representatives from MCA and Gerakan resulted in the transformation programmes introduced could not be carried out because their implementation needed the consensus of all races.

"Transformation is now more appreciated by the Chinese community who were previously confused. It also facilitated the government in carrying out programmes for the benefit of the people because all component parties move as one," he said.

Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Geostrategist Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said the new ministers and deputy ministers shouldered a heavy responsibility to ensure increased support from the Chinese voters in the coming general election.

"The Prime Minister has given his confidence to them, so this confidence must be repaid with the responsibility so that the MCA and Gerakan can be on a common platform with the other BN component parties.

All of them also agreed with the statement by Najib that he was satisfied with the present Cabinet and did not need a major reshuffle.

They said that all members of the Cabinet must continue to discharge their responsibilities in their respective portfolios as another reshuffle would only be a waste of time and expertise.