Many political leaders ready to accept the changes

PETALING JAYA: Although the parties in Pakatan Harapan have yet to decide on the Cabinet reshuffle, it appears that many political leaders are ready to accept the changes.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said it is the Prime Minister’s right to express his opinion on the Cabinet in light of the current situation.

“I think it is alright for the Prime Minister to do a reshuffle if the time comes, ” he said.

“I have done my best, and I have been working 24/7. Even now I do not have any rest or holiday. I have done my duty and have fulfilled my responsibilities.

“Let the people judge and let the Prime Minister decide.”

Salahuddin’s deputy in the Cabinet, Sim Tze Tzin, has a similar view.

He said, “I think he (Dr Mahathir) has seen the performance of the ministers and knows where changes are needed. I think we will leave it to the wisdom of the Presidential Council and the Prime Minister. Of course, they will meet to discuss with each party’s presidents and they will have to submit names.”

Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Mahfuz Omar pointed out that a Cabinet reshuffle was bound to happen as there was a need to fill the vacancy following the death of Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Md Farik Md Farik in September.

“There’s also a need to improve on the position of the ministers and deputy ministers, whether by bringing in new people or reshuffling portfolios.

“I’m in full support of Dr Mahathir’s wish because there is a need to improve the government’s administration and to bring in those who can give their full attention instead of those who are idealistic and are not anchored in reality, ” he said.

Umno’s Arau MP Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said he would be fully supportive if Dr Mahathir were to reshuffle the Cabinet as Pakatan’s performance was on the decline.

“That’s why they have to make some new changes and also improvements. In Tanjung Piai, the people didn’t just vote to protest, they showed their frustrations towards Pakatan. If he (Dr Mahathir) wants to solve the problems, he has to reshuffle the Cabinet, ” he added.

Batu Gajah MP V. Sivakumar said it was the Prime Minister’s prerogative to reshuffle the Cabinet at any time. However, Sivakumar said it was up to the DAP leadership to talk to Dr Mahathir on this matter.

“I will leave it to the wisdom of my party’s top leadership, ” he said.