Bickering over Anwar’s cabinet is unfair given situation, say analysts

[superadmin]

KUALA LUMPUR – Five days have passed since the announcement of the new 28-member cabinet and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s ministerial appointments continue to draw positive and negative reactions.

The prime minister’s decision to hold the finance portfolio and appoint Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as deputy prime minister has triggered debate as the latter is facing corruption charges in court, and some quarters think it is improper for the prime minister to assume the finance minister’s role.

Commenting on this, political analyst Azmi Hassan said it is not fair to question Anwar’s moves given the circumstances of the cabinet’s formation.

“The (prevailing) situation requires Anwar to take into account the support of not only PH (Pakatan Harapan) component parties but also other partners (in the PH-led unity government) even though he has the right to appoint anyone he deems fit,” Azmi said.

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