Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he must consult his coalition’s partners in order to decide the composition of his Cabinet, but added that one would be named as early as possible.
Speaking to reporters after chairing a Pakatan Harapan presidential council meeting Monday, Anwar said all parties were entitled to provide their views on who should be on his Cabinet, but it was ultimately his decision.
“But, as I said, this is not a normal situation. The national unity government involves many parties, and before I make my decision, I must listen to all views.
“And another problem is that the Cabinet is to be reduced in size. Previously, 50 (ministers) is OK 60 is OK, 70 is OK, and if that still isn’t enough, there are special envoys,” he said.
Anwar stressed that he was unwilling to go down the same route, which consequently required him to be cautious with his Cabinet appointments.
Previously, Anwar warned political leaders not to expect Cabinet roles as “reward” for their support and loyalty, as he planned to restrict its members to the smallest number necessary to avoid increasing the Government’s cost.
On suggestions that he should exclude Umno’s so-called “court cluster” from his Cabinet, Anwar said these were among views being considered but stressed on the presumption of innocence in ongoing trials.
Meanwhile, Anwar said he had turned down the use of a newly-bought Mercedes-Benz S600 limousine as his official car.
He said the car had been bought by the Prime Minister’s Department before he began work as Prime Minister (on Friday).
“I did not want any new public expenditure to be spent on me,” he said in a Facebook posting. “Instead, I will use whatever vehicles are available for daily official use.”
His comments amplified his remarks on Saturday night after thanksgiving prayers at a Sungai Long mosque. He said no new official car would be bought for his use and no renovations carried out at his office, as part of a new culture against wastage of public funds that must be practised by all.
The consumer retail price of a Mercedes-Benz S600 limousine is between RM700,000 and RM1.9 million.
“Think of what you can save – RM100, RM1000, RM10,000 – which can be returned to the poor. I started with a commitment not to take a salary, but what’s important is not to waste what funds we have,” he said.
“This is a message to all department leaders to remember that in the current situation we should start a new culture. Don’t use government money for our own facilities,” said Anwar.
After being appointed Prime Minister on Thursday, Anwar had said his first priority was to tackle inflation and the rising cost of living.
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