PM appoints Ismail Sabri as Deputy Prime Minister, Hisham as Senior Minister

PUTRAJAYA: Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has been appointed as Deputy Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) also said Ismail Sabri will continue to hold the Defence Minister post.

“The appointment (of Ismail Sabri) will assist the Prime Minister in managing the country and will help fulfil the people’s needs at a time when the country is facing economic and health crises,” said a statement issued by the PMO on Wednesday (July 7).

The PMO also announced the appointment of Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein as Senior Minister (Security).

“As senior minister, Hishammuddin will lead the security cluster, which prior to this was led by Ismail Sabri.

“The Prime Minister has also agreed for Hishammuddin to assist him in the implementation of the National Recovery Plan,” said the PMO.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong has been informed of the two appointments, which take effect immediately.

“It is hoped that the two appointments will boost the Perikatan Nasional government’s ability, especially in facing the Covid-19 pandemic, to strengthen unity and cooperation among parties that form the government.

“It is also hoped the appointments will strengthen Perikatan’s administration, through good and transparent governance, free of corruption and an administration that is of high integrity,” the statement read.