Najib hints at major Cabinet reshuffle
By Adib Zalkapli (The Malaysian Insider)
KUALA LUMPUR, Mar 22 – Less than a month before being sworn in as Malaysia's sixth Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today said his choice of ministers will determine the public's acceptance of his leadership.
"I will be judged based on two matters. Firstly, my Cabinet line up whether it will be well received by the people," said Najib tonight on a talk show programme Dialog@1.
"Secondly my maiden address as Prime Minister to outline the national agenda. If the two are accepted by the people, I believe they will be with us, if not we will be facing a tough time," he added.
Najib who is expected to be officially declared Umno president on Thursday has been under pressure to introduce a clean Cabinet, in particular from former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He also admitted tonight that his honeymoon period as the prime minister would be less than 100 days.
"But I believe the people will give me a chance to show what I intend to do," said Najib.
He also revealed tonight that the Umno constitution would be amended this year but did not give further details.
"The following general assembly will be the assembly to amend the Umno constitution," said Najib while discussing the topic of reforming the party.
On the election of Umno leaders next week Najib said the party needs a balance between the need to have leaders with intellectual capability and those with strong grassroots support.
He also said there is a need to change the way party elections are conducted so that the Umno delegates at the general assembly reflect the aspirations of the Malay community.
