AFTER Malaysia's very first general election, our country’s inaugural Cabinet was formed on Aug 1, 1955.
Were there only 10 ministers at that time?
VERDICT:
TRUE
THE first Cabinet of the Federation of Malaya had 10 ministers, who were assisted by two deputy ministers and three junior ministers (Menteri Muda).
Six were from Umno, while three were from MCA and one was from MIC.
This inaugural Cabinet was formed just a few days on Aug 1, 1955 after the country’s first general election on July 27, 1955.
Leading the administration was Tunku Abdul Rahman, as the Chief Minister of the Federation and its Home Minister, read an excerpt from the National Archives of Malaysia's website.
All 15 members of the Cabinet were appointed after getting the royal approval from the Malay Rulers at that time.
The administration back then also included several British officers.
"Three of them were the secretaries of finance, economic affairs and defence, respectively. Another three British officials also had important government posts at that time, namely the chief secretary, attorney general and government secretary," said the Archives.
References:
1. http://www.arkib.gov.my/web/guest/kabinet-pertama-malaysia4
2. http://www.arkib.gov.my/web/guest/parti-perikatan-simbol-pakatan-antara-kaum4
