KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 1 — Umno representation in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Cabinet should reflect the party’s commitment to support his national unity government, said Tan Sri Annuar Musa.
Commenting on reports of alleged lobbying for Cabinet positions, the former minister said Anwar should respect Umno’s commitment towards his coalition government.
The Ketereh Umno division chief also said Umno leaders picked to join the Cabinet should not be there to simply make up the numbers, but must be capable of performing and chosen based on seniority.
“Umno shouldn’t be taken for granted. It should also not agree to piecemeal offers.
“Consequently, Umno representatives should be chosen for the Cabinet based on party hierarchy and leadership abilities,” he said on Facebook.
The Cabinet line-up is expected to be announced this week to ensure the ministers are sworn-in before this weekend, following speculation that Anwar had presented his selections to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah on Tuesday.
Anwar has said he would reduce the size of the Cabinet to no more than 25 portfolios compared to the 31 from the previous administration.
He also reiterated that the three main component coalitions — Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional and Gabungan Parti Sarawak — would be consulted over the appointments.
