KUCHING, Nov 27: Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed that meetings with the unity government’s component party leaders on Cabinet formation are currently underway, with recommendations expected in the coming days.
Anwar told reporters this during a press conference after chairing a special meeting of the 2022 National Action Council on the cost of living in Putrajaya today.
“I am currently in discussion with the coalition members including three main parties in Pakatan Harapan (PH), (Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Democratic Action Party (DAP), and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah)) and United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko).
“I had a very good meeting with Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg (Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman) on Saturday (Nov 26) in my house.
“Then I’ve got to speak with Barisan Nasional representatives; they have working committees also to give some recommendations,” he said, noting that he would be meeting Sabah Chief Minister and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor later in the evening.
He also emphasised that he intends to reduce the size of the Cabinet.
“The other issue is that I want to reduce the size of the Cabinet. I don’t want to continue this extravagant manner of employing or appointing ministers as a form of reward.
“So you have 70 ministers with special envoys — of course, we can consider one or two when it is absolutely necessary, but it should not be seen as rewarding political masters in order to support me (as prime minister),” he emphasised.
“I want them to support me based on my policies and my commitment to good governance and my commitment to anti-corruption, and to resuscitate the economy.”
Meanwhile, Anwar stated at a press conference on his first day in office on Friday (Nov 25) that the Cabinet size would be reduced, and that he is also seeking the agreement of members who will be appointed to reduce their salaries. — DayakDaily
