KUALA KANGSAR – Caretaker prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s commitment to reduce the size of the cabinet if Barisan Nasional (BN) is given a fresh mandate is a rational move which can be implemented, said caretaker communications and multimedia minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa.
He said the cabinet headed by Ismail Sabri earlier was inherited by him at a time of political instability.
“We know Ismail Sabri’s previous cabinet was formed (among parties)…at a time of instability, so it might be considered oversized. The commitment given by Ismail Sabri now is that the post-election cabinet will be smaller, and that is something to be welcomed.
“Given his experience as prime minister, he knows where he can cut to streamline duties and save on expenditure. The commitment has basis and I am confident (he) will do it,” he told reporters after a 15th general election (GE15) ceramah in Padang Rengas here last night.
In an interview last night, Ismail Sabri said that if BN won GE15 and he was reappointed as prime minister, he would have a smaller cabinet than the previous one by merging several ministries.
Asked about Ismail Sabri’s candidacy for prime minister, Annuar said he is the best candidate based on his track record and wide experience in helming several ministries, apart from his acceptance by all parties. – Bernama, November 16, 2022
