Mahathir names 3 ministers; says he prevented Najib from leaving country

(CNA) – Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Saturday (May 12) announced his picks for three key positions in his Cabinet.

Mr Lim Guan Eng will be finance minister, Mr Mohamad Sabu will be defence minister and Mr Muhyiddin Yassin will be home affairs minister, Dr Mahathir said at a press conference.

Seven other ministerial positions have not been decided, he said.

When asked if he instructed the Immigration Department to impose a travel ban on former prime minister Najib Razak and his wife, Dr Mahathir said yes.

“It is true that I prevented Najib and his wife from (leaving) the country,” he said.

There is sufficient evidence for an investigation into things done by the former prime minister, he said, adding that the rule of law will apply.

NEW GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW ALL FOREIGN CONTRACTS

The new Malaysian government will review all foreign contracts and projects, including the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail project, Dr Mahathir said.

Dr Mahathir also said a “council of elders” will be appointed to advise the new government. Former finance minister Daim Zainuddin, former central bank governor Zeti Akhthar Aziz and business tycoon Robert Kuok have been appointed to the council.