PN is an inclusive government, not exclusive to Malay-Muslims - Saifuddin

Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said the new Perikatan Nasional government may have more bumiputera representatives but this does not mean that it will be a government to Malays and Muslims only.

In an interview with TV1, Saifuddin said the reality is that any government must be inclusive.

"It has to be admitted that the number of non-Malays and non-bumiputera are less than before but this does not mean that this will be a Malay Muslim government.

This government will be inclusive... Any government must be inclusive and celebrate diversity. That is a reality which must be accepted," he said.

He added that while certain political parties may call themselves multi-racial but they can sometimes be more racist than race-based parties.

He then gave an example of a component party in Pakatan Harapan which had previously objected to DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng (below) being appointed as the finance minister under the previous government on grounds of his race.

"Some things are hard to be said. For example, Umno which is regarded as racist had in the past appointed a Chinese to be finance minister.

"But more recently, for example, when Lim was appointed as the finance minister, there were objections in the early stages.

"If I were to reveal which party was the one that objected, people will be surprised," he said.

Saifuddin was also asked about Umno being included in a new government, especially since it has been labelled as a "kleptocratic" party.

To this, Saifuddin reiterated that all cabinet members have been vetted by the MACC and police.

He stressed that the new cabinet comprises clean individuals who have integrity.

Saifuddin added that even he is not above the law and should there be any wrongdoing, he can also be investigated.

Saifuddin and his colleagues were earlier today sworn in as ministers of the new PN government.

The new government was formed following the collapse of the Harapan government.

Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin had taken his party out of Harapan and joined forces with PKR defectors, BN, PAS and GPS to form the new government.

Muhyiddin was sworn in as the new prime minister on March 1. - Mkini