Initial feedback on new Cabinet seems positive

Constitutional lawyer Syahredzan Johan praises the new Cabinet line-up.

PETALING JAYA: The newly appointed Ministers have received several messages of congratulations and well wishes on social media moments after Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced the 14-member Cabinet line up.

Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming sent his congratulations to Simpang Renggam MP Dr Maszlee Malik who was named as Education Minister.

"He is an intelligent, thoughtful and capable person. He is the only Cabinet member with a Routledge published book (on Islamic governance)," said Ong on his Twitter page.

Ong said that he has known Dr Maszlee for a few years and has had many conversations with him on public policy matters and waste management.

"He is the only professor in Malaysia I know of who can engage in matters of philosophy, political science and Islam. His ideas are wide ranging and progressive," he said.

"He has consistently written and spoken up on the importance of public policy in Islam. He is open to engagement and dialogue. I'm sure he will bring this openness to his portfolio," said Ong.

PKR central leadership council member Latheefa Koya said on Twitter that she is "thrilled" to hear of Dr Maszlee's appointment as Education Minister.

"A fresh breath of air indeed," she tweeted.

Constitutional lawyer Syahredzan Johan praised the Cabinet line up, saying that it is a "fine Cabinet".

He said he likes Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo as Communications and Multimedia Minister.

"Dr Dzul (Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad), Sallehudin Ayub are men of integrity. Azmin (Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali) proved himself in Selangor. Dr Maszlee was a respected lecturer. Anthony Loke is a good choice," tweeted Syahredzan.
However, Syahredzan said that Selangor Mentri Besar Azmin, who was put forward as Economic Affairs Minister, would have to let go of one post.

"It's just not humanly possible to be MB and a Federal Minister at the same time," he said.

Syahredzan also reminded his followers on Twitter that the 14 Cabinet appointments are not the full Cabinet yet.

"Everybody is saying 'where is Hannah Yeoh, Nik Nazmi, where is Saifuddin Abdullah, Tony Pua etc etc'.

"Let me remind you: 1) There are still 12 more posts to fill, and deputies. 2) PH wants to strengthen Parliament. That means, we need good backbenchers to check the Government," tweeted Syahredzan.

Meanwhile, netizens voiced their well wishes to the newly appointed Ministers.

Facebook user Rosman Rahman commented on The Star Online Facebook page, reminding the Ministers to work for the betterment of the country.

"Work for the rakyat, because they voted not for individuals only, they voted for (the) wind of change for Malaysia.

"So accept criticism and admit any wrongdoing. Remember the rakyat's voice is more powerful than your positions," said Rosman.

"Hope and pray all the Ministers will work for the people with their heart. Improve our status and be a big happy Malaysian family together," said Facebook user Latchemi Rajagopal.