Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob is expected to seek a royal audience to submit a list of candidates for cabinet positions.
However, a check with an official from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) found that this has yet to be included in the itinerary of the prime minister.
"That was a rumour. So far, we have no information about it. We believe (the royal audience) should be this week, but we don't have any update yet," an officer told Malaysiakini on condition of anonymity.
Earlier a news report by The Vibes said that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong would grant an audience to Ismail Sabri today.
When contacted, an Umno source said he expected Ismail Sabri to be in a dilemma to come up with the new cabinet line-up as all parties that supported him have demanded that they be given the same portfolios.
"Bersatu and PAS want to retain all the ministers and deputy ministers while Umno wants a little more than it was given by (former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin). So, it's like status quo," said the source.
The source said Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi even demanded more ministerial posts for his faction.
The source, however, expected a change in the appointment of de facto law minister. This came following royal rebuke after former minister Takiyuddin Hassan's statement on the emergency ordinance.
Umno was given nine minister and eight deputy minister posts during the Muhyiddin adminstration. Two former ministers - Noraini Ahmad and Shamsul Anuar Nasarah - had resigned after Zahid and 14 MPs withdrew their support for Muhyiddin, prompting the fall of Perikatan Nasional government.
Meanwhile, The Vibes reported that the "wrangling and last-minute lobbying for positions under the Bera MP’s stewardship is still ongoing and is expected to last until the 11th hour".
"The PM will submit his cabinet list by tomorrow and seek the Agong’s approval as part of the formalities.
"Only after the king has given the green light will Ismail Sabri contact the said candidates to inform them of their respective posts and to check whether they would want to take it up. If anyone declines, there would be a back-up list for each position,” the source said.
The source expected that the swearing-in ceremony for the ministers would be likely on Thursday so Ismail Sabri can chair his first cabinet meeting as prime minister on Friday.
On Aug 23, Ismail Sabri said his cabinet line-up will be announced this week.
He said the list will be presented to the Agong first for his consent. - Mkini
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