KUALA LUMPUR – After being overlooked by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for a ministerial position, DAP vice-chairman M. Kula Segaran said the cabinet announced by the prime minister is “one that the country needs at the moment”.
The Ipoh Barat MP said while various quarters have either questioned or expressed their disappointment over his omission from the cabinet, he urged them to look at the bigger picture.
“It is a cabinet that has the support of all Pakatan Harapan (PH) component parties. It is a cabinet that aims to mend the division among our people and unite us once again with a common goal.
“This common goal is to rebuild this nation after what it has been through over the last two years,” he said in a statement today.
Kula is among several big names that were left out by Anwar in his announcement of the cabinet last Friday, with DAP being given only four of the 28 positions despite having the largest MPs representation among the government parties.
Other notable names include party deputy chairman Gobind Singh Deo, vice-chairman Chong Chieng Jen, national organising secretary Steven Sim Chee Keong and former energy, science, technology, environment and climate change minister Yeo Bee Yin.
In his statement, Kula reminded quarters that the administration today does belong solely to PH, but rather a unity government comprising other coalitions and parties.
“They need to understand what that means and entails... I urge everyone to get behind Anwar and his cabinet, and be patient as correcting what is rotten and ailing takes time and support from all of us.
“We are on the right track again,” he said.
The former human resources minister also urged everyone to back fellow DAP member V. Sivakumar who has instead been appointed to take up the portfolio.
He said if needed, he is willing to offer a hand in the carrying out of ministerial duties.
“This ministry remains one of the most important and integral ministries in our country. I am sure Sivakumar will learn the ropes fast. Siva has vast political experience and the capability to drive the ministry forward.”
Sivakumar is the sole Indian lawmaker under Anwar’s cabinet. – The Vibes, December 4, 2022
