Prime Minister, Dato Seri Ismail Sabri Yaacob presented his cabinet list to his Majesty DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di Pertuan Agong in Pahang yesterday.
The announcement was due yesterday but postphone today this morning and swearing in to be done Monday.
In a deft touch move, Ismail emulated the idea of unity government with a meeting and understanding with opposition leaders on Wednesday.
It is to fulfill Agong's wishes to lower the political temperature. And it serves to allay suspicion he has to succumb to the veiled threat from Tan Sri Mahiaddin Mat Yasin.
Though he mentioned of conditional support to Ismail to not include "kleptocrats" or more accurately "kluster mahkamah" in cabinet or any government role, it is seen putting pressure for PPBM to get key cabinet positions.
Its an open secret that both Muhiaddin and Tun Dr Mahathir has preference for Dato Seri Azmin Ali for Deputy Prime Minister against the wishes of few members of PPBM's MPT, particularly Dato Seri Hamzah Zainuddin.
Though Azmin have no where to go, other members of ex-PKR faction could still find a new haven.
With the pressure of pullout threat at bay, what will Ismail's cabinet be?
Former Johor State Assemblyman, Datuk Tengku Putra Haron Aminurrashid Jumat expressed his view on his FB:
Points To Ponder For The Prime Minister.
1. Reduce the number of Cabinet members to bare essentials and do away with Deputy Ministers.
2. Let the Ministries’ Director Generals report directly to the Cabinet/ PM.
3. UMNO presented no ultimatum to YAB Tan Sri Mahiaddin Yassin when they gave unconditional support to him forming the Perikatan Nasional led Government on 7th March 2020. It should be reciprocated.
4. The Deputy Prime Minister’s post (not provided in the Constitution) was not filled for 17 months until the previous premiership was on its deathbed in July of 2021.
5. Some crucial Ministers appointed by Mahiaddin from UMNO last year were NOT names submitted by the party’s leadership. Therefore the “list” provided today by PPBM to YAB Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri does NOT have to be taken as biblical.
6. If at all the appointment of Deputy Prime Minister needs to be “entertained”, it should be given to the highest ranking qualified official in the PPBM after Mahiaddin, like Ismail Sabri is in UMNO. NOT any other force-fed name from that party.
7. A threat to this new administration will be looked upon by the Rakyat and His Majesty the YDPA as “trecherous” to the wellbeing of the nation.
8. Therefore, it is unlikey that PPBM dares to withdraw support for the govt if the PM decides against complying with their demands.
9. Worst case scenarios if PPBM pulls out of the fold: a) The opposition block Pakatan Harapan votes in confidence of the new PM in Parliament in compliance with the people’s request to heal the nation, or b) The YDPA refuses to entertain the continued political crisis and disolves Parliament forcing a General Election in 60 days. In this event, PPBM will undoubtedly be punished severly by the voting public.
10. Conclusion: Dismiss any demands or forms of extortion by any party, form a Cabinet that can work with you (PM Ismail Sabri) and succeed in healing this nation OR, prepare to walk on eggshells having policies contradicted for the remainder of this term taking UMNO/ BN down with you in GE15.
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Political pundits view the cabinet as a do or die situation on the future of UMNO. Ismail is not in the most enviable position.
No major expectation on Ismail except no Azmin for DPM, no Wahabi for Minister in the PM Dept on religous affair and Ronald Kiandee of PPBM for agriculture.
It is Ismail's call.
Though not personally preferred, he may be requested to maintain Tengku Zafrul for Finance and Tan Sri Annuar Musa undeniably a suitable choice for Communication Minister.
Will update upon announcement.