KUALA LUMPUR – The government does not see a need to appoint a deputy prime minister at the moment, as the cabinet’s current composition is sufficiently capable of addressing present needs, a minister said.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Special Functions) Datuk Abd Latiff Ahmad said this in response to a question in Dewan Negara regarding the appointment of a deputy to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
“The appointment of cabinet members and deputy ministers is the sole prerogative of the prime minister to ensure government administrative matters are carried out smoothly.
“The government is of the opinion that at the moment, the number of members of administration is the best, based on needs, challenges, and responsibilities, as well as the required expertise,” he said in a written reply.
PAS information chief Senator Khairil Nizam Khirudin had enquired on the government’s current stand on the appointment of a deputy prime minister, which he said has become polemical among the public.
The clarification by Abd Latiff, who is also Bersatu’s Mersing MP, all but put to rest speculation on whether Malaysia is likely to see a deputy premier appointed in the near future, amid brewing tensions between Umno and Bersatu over the post.
His reply comes just days after reports claimed Perikatan Nasional (PN) considered withdrawing support for Ismail Sabri over his alleged refusal to appoint a deputy prime minister from Bersatu, as initially agreed prior to the formation of the current government.
PN’s patience is believed to be wearing thin after Ismail Sabri called off a meeting with their secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin scheduled for 2.30pm last Thursday, which was initially intended to discuss the agreement.
A source from PN had told The Vibes that the coalition is willing to listen to Ismail Sabri’s reasoning for his apparent refusal to heed Bersatu’s demand and that any decision to pull the plug on the government will depend on his explanation.
Despite the absence of a deputy prime minister, the current Cabinet line-up has four senior ministers, namely Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali (International Trade and Industry), Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (Defence), Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (Works) and Datuk Mohd Radzi Md Jidin (Education).
Need for foreign envoys
On a separate question by Robert Lau Hui Yew, Abd Latiff said foreign envoys and special advisers are only appointed among those with network relationships, experience, and expertise that can be of benefit to Malaysia’s interest.
Lau had asked if the government intends to cease the appointment of foreign envoys and special advisers, as well as trim the salaries of ministers and MPs to reduce spending.
According to Abd Latiff, the salaries of members of the administration are based exclusively on the Members of Parliament (Remuneration) Act 1980, and any plans involving amendments to the allowances or wages will be reviewed together in cabinet. – The Vibes, August 9, 2022
