Dr M: Cabinet more or less graft-free

(NST) – Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has described the new cabinet as "more or less graft-free".

Speaking at his office here yesterday, Dr Mahathir said Datuk Seri Najib Razak "did very well by dropping most of the people who have been accused of corruption, although one or two slipped in".

He said Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was worthy of his appointment as deputy prime minister as he "has shown himself to be a clean and efficient leader".

He also commended Najib for not appointing Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin.

Dr Mahathir said he was confident his son, Datuk Mukhriz, would perform well as deputy international trade and industry minister, especially in tackling the abuse of the Approved Permit system.

Asked if he was proud of his son's appointment, he said: "Tentulah gembira (of course, I'm happy)".

He also gave the thumbs-up to Najib's introduction of a key performance index and half-yearly review of all ministries.

Najib had said the KPI of ministers would be reviewed by himself, with the help of Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Senator Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.