KUALA LUMPUR, May 18 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) MPs said today they were surprised at being chosen as ministers for Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s Cabinet, but pledged to do their best to ensure the coalition’s electoral reform pledges are realised.
First-term MP Maszlee Malik from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM), DAP’s Anthony Loke Siew Fook and Amanah’s Dzulkefly Ahmad told Malay Mail they did not receive any formal notification before the news broke moments ago.
“I was not told by anyone. It is a big responsibility, we are rebuilding the nation but the highest priority is to ensure the promises PH made in its manifesto can be accomplished... five years is not a long period,” Maszlee told Malay Mail.
He also said that Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, who was also chosen as minister of economic affairs, will likely to have to step down as Selangor mentri besar.
“Obviously, just like YB Lim Guan Eng. We will just have to wait and see what happens next in Selangor.
This comes as a PKR source told Malay Mail that Azmin would request for an audience with Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah for a decision.
“MB is in discussions about this and will not want to hold on to two portfolios. He will call on the Sultan to discuss the next step to be taken,” the source said.
Dr Mahathir revealed the full list for his proposed Cabinet today, after an audience with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V.
Maszlee was named as Dr Mahathir’s replacement for education minister, after the latter dropped the post to honour a pledge in the Pakatan Harapan (PH) manifesto.
Another first-term PPBM MP Rina Harun was named rural development minister.
From PKR, Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin was named minister of housing and local government.
Ministers from DAP were Loke (transport), Gobind Singh Deo (communications and multimedia) and M. Kulasegaran (human resources).
Rounding up the list were leaders from Parti Amanah Negara: Salahuddin Ayub (agriculture and agro-based industry) and Dzulkefly (health).
