Anwar delays Malaysia Cabinet picks amid intense lobbying
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is likely to delay the unveiling of Malaysia’s new Cabinet to next week, as he tries to square conflicting demands both within and outside his unity government of strange bedfellows.
(The Straits Times) – The Straits Times has learnt that no swearing-in ceremony has been pencilled in the King’s schedule, with reports saying he is set to go on an overseas trip on Saturday.
Pakatan Harapan (PH) chief Anwar’s audience with Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah on Tuesday triggered speculation that a Cabinet would be installed on Wednesday.
That did not happen, but there was heightened expectation that ministers – drawn not just from the two-thirds supermajority that the Premier enjoys but also non-politicians – would be appointed by Friday.
However, several sources in the know told The Straits Times that Datuk Seri Anwar did not submit a list of candidates to the King during the audience on Tuesday.
Up until Wednesday afternoon, the Prime Minister was meeting political leaders who have pledged support for his government after the Nov 19 General Election which threw up Malaysia’s first hung Parliament.
