KUALA LUMPUR – Do not judge a book by its cover, as some netizens say that Barisan Nasional’s (BN) Pontian MP Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan is clever.
His appointment as deputy finance minister also sparked mixed reactions from social media users, with some wondering if he was suited for the position.
One user brought up that the Umno man holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s in business administration.
Others recalled that Ahmad was a deputy finance minister after the 2013 general election, serving in Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s administration.
“I’m not an Ahmad Maslan supporter but he has a Bachelor of Economics and MBA with experience in the Finance Ministry.
“That’s why he was chosen as one of the deputies. People shouldn’t judge a book by its cover,” said Twitter user @RusilaA.
I’m not Ahmad Maslan supporter but he has background in bachelor of economics and MBA with experience in finance ministry. That’s why he was chosen as one of the deputy. People shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
— Haesoo’s ⛄️ ❄️ (@RusilaA) December 9, 2022
Another user quipped that Ahmad’s appointment could help the cabinet save some money if he could bring home-cooked meals for meetings, instead of ordering food from the caterers.
“Now that we have (Agriculture and Food Security Minister) Mat Sabu and Ahmad Maslan in the cabinet, (Datuk Seri) Anwar (Ibrahim) can stop ordering food from the caterers for meetings.
“All ministers and deputy ministers could have a potluck where they could bring home-cooked meals,” said @IzzLatif.
Dah ada Mat Sabu n Ahmad Maslan dalam kabinet ni Anwar dah boleh suruh stop amek katering tiap kali mesyuarat. Dorg boleh masak bawak dari rumah. Lagi meriah semua menteri n timbalan bawak sekali, buat konsep potluck. Barulah kerajaan perpaduan ni boleh show off suka berjimat! ??
— Ijlatip (@IzzLatif) December 9, 2022
However, others were confused.
“He (Ahmad Maslan) is actually pretty good. (Youth and Sports Minister) Hannah Yeoh praised him before. He also has academic qualifications in the economy, so I think it makes sense. But, confused of course,” said @AH_redAI.
He actually pretty good, Hannah Yeoh praise him before. He also has academic qualification in economy so I think it make sense.
— Adi~~?? (@AH_redAI) December 9, 2022
Of course, bingung
While others think Ahmad was a bad choice for the position, Pakatan Harapan’s Steven Sim is deemed a credible candidate alongside Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli.
“Ahmad Maslan is a bad choice I'm afraid, but Liew Chin Tong, Ramkarpal Singh, Steven Sim, and Adam Adli are by far the credible ones, whereas for the rest we shall see,” tweeted @lurvv_.
Ahmad Maslan is a bad choice I'm afraid but Liew Chin Tong, Ram Karpal Singh, Steven Sim and Adam Adli are by far the credible ones, whereas for the rest we shall see
— lesh ♡ (@lurvv_) December 9, 2022
Some thought the Bukit Mertajam MP might be better suited in the Communications and Digital Ministry.
“I was hoping that (Subang MP) Wong Chen would be in finance, while Steven Sim in communications or education,” tweeted @DarthMaulVII.
Ok semua yg aku harap ada...semuanya ada kecuali Wong Chen. Aku mengharapkan Wong Chen di Finance & Steven Sim di Komunikasi atau Pendidikan berdasarkan kepakaran / kelebihan YB berdua ni. https://t.co/8iAIgg2WLW
— DarthMaul ?? (@DarthMaulVII) December 9, 2022
The deputy ministers will be sworn in at Istana Negara at 3pm today. – The Vibes, December 10, 2022