IN A unprecedented move by Muhyiddin Yassin today, the deputy prime minister post was left vacant but was instead replaced by four senior ministers in key portfolio, especially economy.
The composition was also 'somehow or rather well-balanced' with Bersatu given one or two seats more than the largest party in the new government, UMNO. PAS too was given ministerial and deputy positions in a Cabinet I described as 'correctional'.
Before name the lineup, the prime minister said all candidates have passed vetting by the Malaysian Commission of Anti-Corruption (MACC) and Bukit Aman. Are they all clean from corruption and abuse, time will tell!
This is a correctional Cabinet as it will serve the rakyat better. They were mistreated in the previous government of Dr Mahathir.
Congratulations to Annuar Musa, Shamsul Nasarah, Noraini, KJ, Hishammuddin, Ismail Sabri, Reezal and others for flying UMNO's flag in the Cabinet although some believe most portfolios will not help the party much in the 15th general election in two or three years time.
There are 31 ministers comprising of 10 from Bersatu, 9 from UMNO, 3 from PAS, 1 for MCA and MIC respectively, 4 for GPS, 1 for Sabah and there would also be six appointed senators. There are 38 deputies, of which 15 for Bersatu, UMNO 8, PAS 5, MCA 3, GPS 5 and Sabah 2. I notice that Sabah will not be represented well this time around.
UMNO and PAS presidents Zahid Hamidi and Hadi Awang were not on the list. Zahid had refused to take up any position until he is cleared by courts on money laundering and abuse of power accusations while Hadi had 'left it to God and the PM's discretion'.
Rumors were rife prior to the announcement that Hishammuddin will be made a deputy prime minister. Other were UMNO deputy president Mohamad Hasan and Pontian MP Ahmad Maslan, Bung Mokhtar of Sabah also appeared in so many lists.
Generally, I think Muhyiddin has made a wise decision. As it is still new, the performance of the Cabinet members will be evaluated by the rakyat in the months to come.
Congrats too to my buddy Masrizal Muhammad for being appointed as deputy minister for environment, and he will take oath as a senator soon.
As for the DPM post, I believe... oooppsss, I better leave it to readers to speculate and contemplate.