‘Give Cabinet a chance’

JOHOR BARU: A Johor Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia leader has called on certain political leaders to stop criticising the new Cabinet line-up under Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (pic).

Without naming Umno, state Bersatu secretary Mohd Solihan Badri said these leaders should instead give the new government a chance to focus on managing the country.

“They should show some maturity, especially with the country and the world fighting the Covid-19 outbreak, which has badly affected various economic sectors and the people’s welfare.

“In facing the present difficulties, all parties should give their full support to the government instead of putting pressure and voicing their demands on Cabinet positions.”

Mohd Solihan, who is also state Works, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chairman, urged these politicians to put aside their differences and dissatisfaction.

He said people were watching and perceived them as more interested in securing positions than forming a coalition government to achieve political and economic stability.

“In Johor for example, despite Bersatu losing the mentri besar position, the state executive councillors line-up comprised all races.

“We accept our appointments and are aware of our responsibilities and trust of the people, ” he said.

Mohd Solihan urged political leaders to explain the situation to their party members and put the nation’s interest first instead of making demands.

On Saturday, several senior Umno leaders hit out at the new Cabinet selection, saying it did not follow party proportions in Perikatan Nasional.

Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Umno MPs were given “non-critical” ministerial posts while vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Umno was not subordinate to Bersatu or Muhyiddin.

Other party leaders have joined in the chorus of criticism against Muhyiddin’s Cabinet, alleging that it was dominated by one party.

Bersatu has the most number of ministers, followed closely by Umno.

There are 11 Bersatu ministers, nine Umno ministers, four Gabungan Parti Sarawak ministers and three PAS ministers. - Star