Capable and reputable: political observers laud Anwar’s cabinet picks

KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s newly announced cabinet appears to have received the stamp of approval from political observers who commended the Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman for his choice of “capable and reputable” ministers. 

For Universiti Teknologi Malaysia senior lecturer Mazlan Ali, 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. 

“Even those who are less experienced (with ministerial work) have good reputations.”

He said Anwar’s decision to helm the finance portfolio alongside his prime minister duties might allow him to better implement policies that can improve the national economy.

Anwar holding the position of finance minister makes it easier for him to improve our economy. When he was finance minister between 1991 and 1998, his reputation was very good.” 

On the other hand, Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Azmil Tayeb expressed disappointment over Anwar helming the Finance Ministry, lamenting how “old practices die hard” in reference to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

“It is disappointing that Anwar is finance minister (since) I think that the portfolio should be separated from the prime ministership. 

“After the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) fiasco, the two positions should be held by different people to allow for check and balance while preventing possible abuse of power.”

Najib has since been found guilty of corruption charges in the 1MDB-subsidiary SRC International Sdn Bhd graft case and is now serving his 12-year jail sentence in Kajang Prison and will have to pay a RM210 million fine.   

Speaking to reporters after announcing his cabinet line-up last night, Anwar, who is also Tambun MP, said he was reluctantly taking the finance portfolio in light of the current global economic crisis, hoping that his presence would reassure local and foreign investors. 

Meanwhile, Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Azmi Hassan was also surprised by Anwar taking the finance portfolio.  

Since the (finance minister) post is very sensitive and sought after by most politicians, I was expecting (Anwar) to elect a senator, maybe (former finance minister) Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz,” he said. 

Tengku Zafrul will now be international trade and industry minister, while Anwar’s Finance Ministry will also be assisted by a team of highly qualified advisors led by Petronas advisor Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican, who will be working free of charge.

“It remains to be seen whether ministers being assisted by a team of experts will be replicated in other portfolios, but I think that we will be seeing fewer deputy ministers,” Azmi said, noting that this is in line with Anwar’s pledge to have a leaner cabinet than previous administrations. 

With 28 ministers so far, Anwar’s cabinet currently matches the number of ministers in Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s administration when PH held Putrajaya from 2018 to 2022. The PH government then also had 27 deputy ministers.

In contrast, the cabinets of former prime ministers Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had 70 ministers and deputies.

Azmi added that it should come as “no surprise” that Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has been elected as one of the deputy prime ministers, considering how Anwar is now the leader of a unity government consisting of several coalitions. 

Anwar used (Zahid’s appointment as deputy prime minister) as a political factor to stabilise the government since he needs the support of BN and GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) to form a federal government.”

GPS’ Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof was also selected to be deputy prime minister alongside Zahid. The positions are in line with the 15th general election, which resulted in PH winning 83 seats, BN (30), and GPS (23). 

Prior to the cabinet reveal, various quarters had objected to Zahid being given a senior ministerial position due to his ongoing corruption trial.

Deputy ministers, as well as the federal territories minister, have yet to be announced. – The Vibes, December 3, 2022