It's the PM's prerogative to choose Zuraida's replacement, says KJ

PETALING JAYA: The prerogative to decide Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin's replacement in the Cabinet lies solely with the Prime Minister, says Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

"The appointment of ministers is the prerogative of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and must be respected by all," said Khairy to The Star.

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Khairy was responding to a statement by Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia information chief Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan, who said that Zuraida's replacement would be chosen by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Wan Saiful said Muhyiddin, as Perikatan Nasional chairman and Bersatu president, had the right to choose Zuraida's successor as Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister.

"There is no need for outside parties to put pressure on the Prime Minister. Let the PM decide who to appoint as ministers of his cabinet," said Khairy.

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Zuraida, who is also Ampang MP, had announced that she had left Bersatu and would be joining Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM).

PBM is a new party established last year and is headed by Julau MP Larry Sng.