EVERYONE, including politicians, are free to give their opinions about a possible Cabinet reshuffle but ultimately, the final decision lies with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, said Johor MCA Youth chief Ling Tian Soon.
According to the Yong Peng assemblyman, discussions of a Cabinet reshuffle had become a hot topic in the recent days, with some of his party colleagues also adding their “two sen” on the matter.
“Many people have been giving their input and views but MCA does not have any special requests (to press for a position),” Ling, who is also the state Health and Unity Committee chairman, said.
“What we want to do is to focus on our own party revitalisation and strengthening efforts. We will respect the Prime Minister’s decision.
“Whatever the outcome, MCA will work together with the unity government to solve the people’s issues and bring the nation to a better position.”
The incoming national MCA Youth chief was speaking to reporters on Tuesday (Oct 10) when asked to comment about a speculated Cabinet reshuffle.
Recall that last week on Oct 3, MCA spokesperson Mike Chong Yew Chuan had come under fire when he proposed three recommendations on behalf of his party in order for the unity government to yield better results.
Chong had suggested that Anwar must stop serving concurrently as Finance Minister and that Anwar needs to appoint a new Finance Minister or appoint a second Finance Minister.
He also suggested that Anwar should remove Cabinet ministers whose performances fall “below standards”, among them Economy Ministry Rafizi Ramli and Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
In response to this, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook had stressed that a Cabinet reshuffle is solely up to Anwar, and this should be respected.
“I think we shouldn’t poke our nose around and try to tell the Prime Minister what he should do,” Loke was quoted as saying by Malaysiakini after attending a lantern festival event at Telemong, Bentong on Oct 4.
“Even if there will be a Cabinet reshuffle, it is the Prime Minister’s prerogative. But up until today, the Prime Minister has not said anything about this. Even in the (Oct 4) Cabinet meeting, he did not mention anything about it.”
There has been talk since last week that a Cabinet reshuffle would take place before Budget 2024 is tabled on Oct 13. – Oct 10, 2023
Main pic credit: Malay Mail
