Anwar to reveal Cabinet ‘as soon as possible’

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called for patience saying further deliberations will be required since his government comprises many parties.

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will unveil his Cabinet “as soon as possible” but calls for patience since the government he leads comprises many parties.

“I must hear all (their) views before deciding. Another issue is that the Cabinet will be downsized,” Anwar said, adding that this meant that further deliberations would be required.

The Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman told reporters outside PKR’s headquarters here that he also saw no need for “special envoys” or “advisers” under his administration.

Meanwhile, on calls for MPs with court cases not to be appointed to the Cabinet, Anwar said he will “take all views into consideration”.

“But as we all know, in terms of the law, only when there is a conviction (is someone guilty). The rest will be taken into account.”

MPs with ongoing court cases include Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng, Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin.

Anwar also agreed with Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh’s view that a motion of confidence in the Dewan Rakyat was unnecessary, but said he would seek the vote regardless.

“His interpretation based on the Federal Constitution is true, as the majority is clear. But we also discussed this earlier (at a PH presidential council meeting).

“Our view does not just concern the needs of the constitution. Legitimacy is also important, in terms of political perception. That is why we will proceed with the vote of confidence on Dec 19.”

Meanwhile, PKR information chief Fahmi Fadzil told reporters that Anwar had asked the police to investigate individuals making slanderous accusations against him and PH.

“Anwar has no intention to take action against those who criticise (him or PH), but we draw the line at slander and accusations of being an Israeli agent,” Fahmi said. - FMT