[UPDATED] Deputy ministers to be named tonight: Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR – The names of deputy ministers will be revealed tonight, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today. 

Anwar, who is Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, said the announcement will be made after he holds an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong this evening.

“I will have an audience with His Majesty this evening and God willing, at 8.15pm, I will announce the names of the deputy ministers.” 

Anwar said this when met by reporters after completing his Friday prayers at Masjid Jamek Kg Baru, here, today.

He was accompanied by Umno’s Titiwangsa MP Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar

Anwar did not answer further questions, including the number of appointments that will be made.

Earlier today, Berita Harian reported that Anwar is scheduled to meet the king this evening to present the list of deputy ministers, and that the swearing-in ceremony will be held tomorrow.

Anwar had on December 2 announced the names of 28 cabinet members with full ministerships, with the appointed leaders taking their oath of office before the Agong the following day.

According to Berita Harian, among the names of lawmakers from PH who will be appointed as deputy ministers are Teo Nie Ching (Kulai MP), Liew Chin Tong (Iskandar Puteri), Steven Sim (Bukit Mertajam), Rodziah Ismail (Ampang), Wong Chen (Subang), Adam Adli Abd Halim (Hang Tuah Jaya), Chong Chieng Jen (Stampin), Young Syefura Othman (Bentong), V. Ganabatirau (Klang) and Syahredzan Johan (Bangi).

From Barisan Nasional, the names include Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan (Pontian), Datuk Mohamad Alamin (Kimanis), Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah (Paya Besar), Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad (Lipis), Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (Jelebu), and Datuk Seri Wee Jeck Seng (Tanjong Piai).

Among the big names expected to miss out include Selangor menteri besar and Gombak MP Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, and Negri Sembilan menteri besar and Port Dickson MP Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.

Several ministries are also expected to have two deputy ministers, including the finance portfolio, which is currently helmed by Anwar.

The report, however, claimed that the portfolios for the deputy ministers have yet to be finalised.

“Discussions will be held between the prime minister and leaders of the main parties which formed the government. The process started this week and is expected to continue until next week,” a source was quoted as saying. – The Vibes, December 9, 2022