THE effectiveness of the government in running the country, particularly in resolving its economic woes, can only be assessed when the coalition government’s five-year term ends on Dec 3, 2027, said an UMNO leader.
According to UMNO vice president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, the country had to deal with a serious worldwide economic situation throughout the unity government’s first ten months in power.
“In addition, we have to figure out the most effective way to work together with the political parties that make up the unity government, for instance, PKR, DAP, UMNO, and Amanah,” he was quoted as saying by Utusan Malaysia after attending the Program Ziarah Kasih Kampung Orang Asli Kampung Sungai Gapo in Bentong yesterday (Oct 1).
“So, when someone becomes Prime Minister, he will put together his team. It’s like playing football, you can’t play alone; you need a team, and the government, too, needs a team.”
Johari went on to say that when the unity government was formed, each team member had their own field of specialty that needed time to adapt to the government’s mission.
“That is why there is no coercion, and we cannot force the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) to make a decision that he thinks is good for the country.
“So, give time to the Prime Minister, as the 10-month period is insufficient for governing the government,” the Titiwangsa MP remarked.
Commenting on the Cabinet reshuffle issue, he warned all parties not to exert pressure on Anwar because the choice is solely the Prime Minister’s.
Johari, who is also the Barisan Nasional (BN) treasurer-general, said as an MP he supports the unity government led by Anwar at the moment.
“So, we have to let the Prime Minister make the decision. The Prime Minister has complete authority over whether or not to reshuffle. No party can put pressure on each other,” Johari remarked.
Previously, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi hinted that the Cabinet reshuffle under Anwar’s leadership will happen in the near future.
He said one of the reasons was the vacancy in the position of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living minister following the death of its incumbent, Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub.
“There must be a reshuffle. I think in the near future,” he was reported as saying by Harian Metro after attending a special meeting with the Putrajaya Division UMNO Leadership yesterday (Oct 1). – Oct 2, 2023
Main pic credit: Malay Mail
