PUTRAJAYA – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has decided to reluctantly take the finance portfolio in light of the current global economic crisis, hoping that his presence will reassure local and foreign investors.
Speaking to the press after announcing his cabinet line-up tonight, the Tambun MP said that initially, he plans on taking over the ministry even though he has criticised some of his predecessors for centralising too much power in the prime minister’s office.
“I’m not keen (on taking this portfolio) but I want to start with an approach and policies to give confidence to our economy and for the local businesses and foreign investors.
“And I think, at this early stage, let me do this first while I am being assisted by a formidable team made up of civil servants and advisors who will not burden the government’s finances,” said Anwar.
His announcement saw two deputy prime ministers – Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who are part of a 28-member cabinet. – The Vibes, December 2, 2022
