We respect the process – Loke on DAP's concern over cabinet line-up

When the second batch of 13 cabinet ministers was announced on July 2, reports surfaced that DAP was far from pleased.

Among others, the decision to leave out Teluk Intan MP and Perak DAP chief Nga Kor Ming did not go down well with the grassroots, creating the impression that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's word is law in Pakatan Harapan.

“I don't think I need to, what you call that...,” replied Transport Minister Anthony Loke when asked if the Bersatu chairperson was the sole decision-maker in the coalition.

“Everybody knows it is the prerogative of the PM to appoint his cabinet but after consultation with the component parties of Harapan. So we respect this process,” he added.

Speaking at a press conference in Putrajaya this afternoon, the Seremban MP also downplayed the dissatisfaction among DAP members over the cabinet line-up, arguing that the issue has been done and dusted.

“It's okay la. The decision has been made and the full cabinet list has been announced. We accept the full appointment by the PM,” he said.

Previously, Malaysiakini reported that dissatisfaction towards Mahathir over the cabinet appointments was raised during a DAP retreat. 

Some 300 DAP parliamentarians, state assemblypersons, federal ministers, state excos and party cadres attended the retreat to discuss the political scenario post GE14.

Apart from Perak, there were also criticisms from Sabah and Sarawak representatives.

Sabah DAP won three parliamentary seats but did not get a single minister post whereas Warisan, which won eight parliamentary seats, has three ministers and two deputy ministers.

On the other hand, Sarawak DAP chief Chong Chieng Jen had to settle for a deputy minister post, despite party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng promising him full ministership during the campaign period.

Of the 28 ministers and 23 deputy ministers, DAP has six ministers and six deputy ministers. -Mkini