PETALING JAYA – Newly minted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the announcement of his cabinet is taking “some time” as he needs to take into account the views of various parties under his unity government.
This, he noted, was unlike previous cabinets which were made up largely of members of the same party and coalition.
“This unity government involves many parties. As such, before I make an announcement, I must hear everyone’s views,” he told reporters after chairing his first Pakatan Harapan presidential council meeting since his appointment.
When asked to comment on when the country can expect an official announcement, he merely said: “As soon as possible.”
“On top of this, we have the issue of making the cabinet smaller. Previously, they just put anyone in…50, 60, 70 (ministers).
“If that wasn’t enough, (they also appointed) special envoys and advisers. I’m not willing to do that.”
The PH chairman was sworn in as the 10th prime minister on Thursday, after close to a week of a political impasse that saw none of the major coalitions secure a simple majority to form the government.
However, four days into his appointment, Anwar has yet to name any cabinet member, with negotiations understood to be ongoing with the other parties, including Barisan Nasional (BN) and Gabungan Parti Sarawak.
It is learnt that among the considerations include whether to appoint BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is undergoing trial for 47 counts of corruption charges, as deputy prime minister.
Several non-governmental organisations and civil society groups have since issued statements expressing their objection to naming those involved in court cases in the cabinet.
Responding to this, Anwar said he is considering views from all parties in ongoing discussions.
“But as we all know, from the legal point of view, only when someone is sentenced (can they be considered guilty)... the rest, we will consider,” he said.
The PKR president is likely referring to the fact that everyone should be treated as innocent until they are proven guilty.
Vote of confidence vital for political perception
On a separate matter, Anwar stressed that he will proceed with his planned vote of confidence in Parliament on December 19, though DAP’s Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh said there is no requirement for this.
According to Anwar, while he is no longer constitutionally required to prove his support after obtaining the majority backing of MPs, there is still the political need to do so to address any doubts.
“Ramkarpal interpreted it based on the federal constitution, because the majority is clear,” he said.
“But I have discussed the matter earlier, and we not only have to consider constitutional needs, but also my legitimacy from the aspect of political perception. That is also important.
“As such, we will go ahead with the vote of confidence on December 19,” he added.
On Saturday, Ramkarpal had said on Facebook that it is unnecessary for Anwar to table a motion of confidence as it is now clear that he enjoys a majority in excess of 140.
He noted that the need for a vote of confidence is guided by constitutional convention, and this would only be encouraged in the event there are doubts as to whether a prime minister enjoys majority support.
Previously, in his first press conference as prime minister on November 24, Anwar had said that he will put his legitimacy to the test in Parliament on December 19, to allay any concerns pertaining to his appointment. – The Vibes, November 28, 2022
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