Tok Pa just smiles when he is quizzed on cabinet post talk, says aide

Mustapa Mohamed's political secretary has refused to confirm the speculation that the Jeli MP is set to make a comeback as a cabinet minister.

"We leave this matter to the prime minister (Dr Mahathir Mohamad). On Mustapa's side, I have not heard him speak of this.

"Even if someone asks (about the speculated appointment), Tok Pa only smiles and laughs," Syed Azidi Syed Abd Aziz told Malaysiakini.

Yesterday, Oriental Daily and Sin Chew Daily both reported that Mustapha, who was the former international trade and industry minister, would be included in Mahathir's cabinet following a reshuffle.

Mustapa, who is also known as Tok Pa, held his last cabinet post from 2009 until 2018 in the then prime minister Najib Abdul Razak's cabinet.

The Jeli MP has since joined Bersatu after the 14th general election.

Mustapa, 68, has also held various other portfolios during the BN administration, including as deputy finance minister.

Earlier today, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng denied that Pakatan Harapan leaders had discussed the cabinet reshuffle with Mahathir during a meeting yesterday.

Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, said the premier had met with ministers on issues related to the government - Mkini