Rafizi: Dr M bulldozed minister trio appointment without consulting PKR

(Malaysiakini) – The appointments of the heads of Bersatu, DAP, and Amanah as cabinet ministers were unilaterally made by Dr Mahathir Mohamad without PKR’s consultation, claims PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli.

“The decision was made without our participation. He bulldozed it… the due process of discussions was not done.

“As far as we are concerned, the discussions have to take place,” Rafizi told Malaysiakini.

Thus, Rafizi said the appointment of the trio is not final, pending talks with all Pakatan Harapan parties.

Mahathir earlier announced DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng as finance minister, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin as home minister, and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu as defence minister.

According to the Federal Constitution, the appointment of cabinet ministers is made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the prime minister.

Rafizi said in a statement that Mahathir would be meeting PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim at the Cheras rehabilitation hospital to discuss the appointments.

A guard at the facility confirmed that Mahathir had met Anwar today, but had left through the back entrance close to 7pm.

At a press conference earlier today, the prime minister said that all four Harapan parties had been asked to submit three names each, for the remaining seven ministerial portfolios which have yet to be taken up.

The seven portfolios are for the Education Ministry; Rural Development Ministry; Economy Ministry; Works Ministry; Transport Ministry; Multimedia, Science and Tech Ministry; and Foreign Ministry.