'Seniors' are always willing to help new cabinet ministers, says Muhyiddin

INTERVIEW | Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin said that he is willing to share his experience with his colleagues if they need advice.

Muhyiddin said this in an interview with Malaysiakini today at his residence, responding to prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's remarks that he was not satisfied with the achievement and performance of cabinet ministers.

"What is important, at this early stage, is that my colleagues who are new in the cabinet, should try to get some advice. I'm willing to help.

"Similarly, they can refer important issues to the prime minister himself. It doesn't mean that once you're appointed as a minister, you can make your own decisions. There are matters that we can discuss with the prime minister although he may be busy," Muhyiddin said.

Muhyiddin elaborated that they had no other choice but to form a new government when they won the election and acknowledged that many cabinet ministers are greenhorns, without much experience.

"It's the same in my party and in some component parties. They have some experience as menteri besar or chief minister, but no experience at the federal level.

"Therefore, the cabinet is seen to have many weaknesses in terms of leadership at the level of the respective ministries. I do admit this and I believe that the people will understand that this will take some time for them (the ministers) to get accustomed to their new responsibilities.

When he was first appointed as a member of parliament in 1978, Muhyiddin explained that it took about 10 to 15 years before he became a federal minister.

He said the current situation for the Pakatan Harapan government is different and he thought that the people would be able to accept the new ministers’ shortcomings.

"The prime minister understands this and that is why he is very disappointed with their performance," he added.

Government officers play a key role

Ministers may come and go, but the government structure and officers are the key people to ensure the day-to-day work remains intact.

Muhyiddin said in the interview that the government officers play a very important role in making sure that the right policies will be implemented.

"Now, what is the direction of the government officers who are appointed according to the rule of law and the constitution?

"As the saying goes, the officers must be loyal to the government of the day. The government of the day is Pakatan Harapan.

"The most important question is, how can they assist the ministers? They should provide the right briefings and give suggestions to the minister.

"They have been there for 20 to 30 years while the ministers have only had two months since their appointment. I have to learn, too, although I was a minister previously. To me, that's the key," said Muhyiddin.

The government officers cannot be blamed entirely as well because they have been trained and taught with the policies of the previous administration, and are likely to continue with the previous policies.

He pointed out that only ministers have the power to instruct on the adoption of new policies in the ministries and they will have to discuss with the relevant government officers how to implement them.

On the same note, Muhyiddin reminded that government officers who refused or failed to uphold their responsibilities can be reprimanded as well.

"That depends on the respective ministers to take action and report to the disciplinary board but we hope that issue will not be a common practice," he said. - Mkini