KUALA LUMPUR – Former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has poured scorn on the newly announced cabinet, saying that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has “sold the country’s dignity” by appointing “kleptocrats”.
Muhyiddin, who is also Perikatan Nasional chairman, also accused Anwar of “pawning principles of good governance” that Pakatan Harapan championed during its election campaign.
“This is the most disappointing cabinet line-up in the country’s history when a person who has been called to defend himself against 47 corruption charges, breach of trust, and money laundering is appointed deputy prime minister.”
While Muhyiddin did not name who he was referring to, it is a remark against Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, whose corruption trial involving Yayasan Akalbudi funds is ongoing.
“He (Anwar) as prime minister is also taking the finance portfolio – a practice that leads to the centralisation of power and large-scale misappropriation like what happened with 1MDB (1Malaysia Development Bhd),” he said in a statement today.
“His reform agenda rings hollow when he could not even stand up in defence of his own party’s struggle to fight against corruption and promote good governance. His worth as a true leader worthy of respect and dignity is now highly questionable.”
However, some political analysts said that the flip side to Zahid’s appointment is stability for the new unity government, which will be attractive for foreign investors.
“Zahid’s appointment cements the cabinet, chances are that Barisan Nasional (BN) won’t wiggle out,” said political scientist Datuk Ahmad Nazzan Abdullah.
“Once there is stability, investments and funds will start coming in, and our share markets will increase alongside our ringgit.”
Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia senior lecturer Mazlan Ali said the 28-member cabinet so far is a sign of the prime minister putting his best foot forward in attempting to appease all parties in the unity government.
“It is clear that this is a cabinet that will put in the necessary work. It seems that (Anwar) wants to form an efficient and effective unity government,” he told The Vibes, adding that a majority of those granted ministerial titles boast impressive political experience.
There have been mixed reactions to Zahid’s being named to the cabinet as the BN chief still faces 47 graft charges. Some say his appointment sends the wrong message about Anwar’s anti-corruption stance, while others view the move as a necessary evil to ensure stability in a government made up of political rivals. – The Vibes, December 3, 2022
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