KUALA LUMPUR: All actions and decisions by the Federal Territory Department under the Prime Minister’s Department will be referred to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Communications Minister and government spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said this at a post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday (Dec 18) in Angkasapuri.
He made this statement in response to criticism of the appointment of Hannah Yeoh and her deputy, Datuk Lo Su Fui, as the heads of the Federal Territories Department.
“There are several matters that must be clarified regarding Yeoh’s appointment,
“She bears the duties and responsibilities as a minister in the Prime Minister’s Department who manages the Federal Territories portfolio. This means that, for ministers in the Prime Minister’s Department, the head is the Prime Minister.
“Any action or decision will also be referred to the Prime Minister, and usually, after Cabinet meetings, the post-Cabinet meeting will be attended by all ministers in the Prime Minister’s Department,” said Fahmi
He said that the Prime Ministry would monitor and, if necessary, take and convey any advice or instructions to the ministers in the Prime Minister’s Department.
“Yeoh has stated that Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi contacted her, and that an online media outlet misinterpreted several aspects of her post, which could have influenced his perception,” said Fahmi.
Earlier, Umno secretary-general Asyraf had cautioned that sentiments against the appointment of Yeoh needed to be handled carefully by the government.
