Dr M to take on Education Mministry, Wan Azizah for women's affairs

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced today that he would be taking on the Education Ministry portfolio in the new Pakatan Harapan cabinet.

"I took over (the) education portfolio because I think so many people are uneducated in this country, so I thought I will give my attention to that," Mahathir quipped during a press conference at Bersatu's headquarters in Petaling Jaya, after chairing Harapan's presidential council meeting today.

"Apart from that, I think our way of teaching is outdated.

"Today, with computers and other things, we should devise a new way of teaching," said Mahathir, who was education minister from 1974 to 1977.

At the same time, Mahathir also announced that deputy prime minister-designate Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail would be heading the Ministry of Women's Affairs and Welfare.

Mahathir has so far announced the formation of five ministries, including Saturday's appointment of DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng as finance minister, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin as home affairs minister and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu as defence minister.

Mahathir said a total of 13 cabinet members are expected to be sworn in on Monday and the full list would comprise 25 ministers.

"At the moment, the appointments do not represent the strength of each party.

"Only later, from the 13 to make up the total of 25. We hope to reduce the (cabinet) size to 25," he said adding that the number could, however, be increased in future to meet any need to do so.

At the same time, Mahathir also announced that he would head a task force to be set up to address issues with regard to the Indian community, youths, women and Orang Asli.

He said the task force, which would also include the home minister and defence minister, was Harapan's move to fulfil pledges made in its GE14 manifesto. -Mkini