Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is taking into account the views of all parties on the possibility of appointing MPs facing graft charges into the cabinet.
He added that the matter was still being discussed.
“But as we know from a legal standpoint, only when there is a sentencing... the rest will be considered,” he told reporters after the Pakatan Harapan presidential council meeting this evening.
Anwar may be hinting that all parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty, amid speculation that Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is touted for the deputy prime minister post.
Earlier, Bersih and political figures such as Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim and former minister Rafidah Aziz had objected to any possibility of a person with ongoing criminal cases being appointed to the cabinet.
At the same time, Umno Youth treasurer Johari Yazid and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) have pledged support for Zahid to be named as deputy prime minister.
Apart from Zahid, Muar MP Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman, Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng and Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin also have ongoing court trials.
Anwar previously said that Harapan has made a stand against MPs with court cases being considered for cabinet positions but further discussions were necessary among new partners in the government.
It remains unclear if Harapan's stand would be extended to Syed Saddiq, who is the Muda president, as the party was involved in an electoral pact with the former for the 15th general elections.
Syed Saddiq was also present at Harapan's presidential council meeting today.
Anwar revealed that today's meeting also discussed the possibility of Muda officially joining the Harapan coalition.
Cabinet appointments as soon as possible
Asked when cabinet appointments would be announced, Anwar said it would happen “as soon as possible”.
Cabinet appointments, Anwar added, were taking time as he wanted to have a leaner team compared to the previous administrations.
“As I have said, this is not usual. This unity government involves many parties, therefore before I make a decision, I must listen to all views.
"Plus, this is a leaner cabinet. Previously, they just put anyone in. 50 (ministers) okay, 60 okay, 70 okay... and even that wasn't enough. There were special envoys…special advisers. I won't be able to do that," he said.
The Harapan chairperson added that he was open to suggestions on cabinet appointments but stressed he will make the final decision. - Mkini
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