[UPDATED] Zuraida still a minister, fate to be decided by cabinet Wednesday: PM 

KUALA LUMPUR – Despite resigning as plantation industries and commodities minister, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin still remains as a cabinet member. 

Speaking to a press conference in Tokyo, Japan this morning, Ismail Sabri said Zuraida’s fate will only be decided in the upcoming cabinet meeting on Wednesday. 

PM @IsmailSabri60 said that @zuraida_my is still part of the cabinet, despite her resignation earlier this week.

However, her fate will be decided in the upcoming cabinet meeting on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/NogPoRpPWD

— TheVibes.com (@thevibesnews) May 28, 2022

The Bera MP revealed that he has not met Zuraida for a discussion since the latter dropped the bombshell on Thursday. 

“It is still too early (to make a decision) as I have not met or discussed with her yet. 

“Many have expressed their opinions on this but the final decision is made by the prime minister.

“Wait for me to return to Malaysia then I will decide,” he said.

Asked if Zuraida will be permitted to attend the weekly cabinet meeting, which usually takes place on Wednesdays, Ismail Sabri said he does not see why she cannot do so.

“I did not fire her, so she is still a cabinet minister until the meeting this Wednesday and until she meets me.

“I will decide on her resignation and I will decide if a new minister will have to be appointed.”

Zuraida’s resignation has garnered a mixed reaction from various quarters, with several ministers and other politicians chiming in on her replacement in the cabinet.

On Thursday, Bersatu information chief Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan said party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will make the call on Zuraida’s cabinet replacement, saying the person will be chosen from among party leaders.

However, in a report by The Star, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the appointment of ministers is the prerogative of the prime minister and must be respected by all.

Khairy stressed that it is not necessary for outside parties to pressure Ismail Sabri on the matter.

Sharing Khairy’s sentiments was Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican.

Reezal said the appointment and removal of ministers is the absolute prerogative of the prime minister, highlighting that it is enshrined in the federal constitution under Article 43(2)(b).

The provision stipulates that the cabinet shall be appointed such that the Agong shall on the advice of the prime minister appoint other ministers from among the members of either house of Parliament. – The Vibes, May 28, 2022