KUALA LUMPUR: Analysts believe that the newly-unveiled Pakatan Harapan (PH) Cabinet line-up is on track to prove that they can be a better government than the previous administration.
Universiti Putra Malaysia political pundit Dr Mohd Izani Mohd Zain said the line-up showed that the government was fair in distributing ministerial posts among PH component parties, even though Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Pribumi) and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) had fewer seats than DAP and PKR.
“This Cabinet is also unique because it includes a very young leader of 26 (Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman) and a very old leader of 93 (Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad),” he said, referring to Syed Saddiq who took the oath of office as Youth and Sports Minister.
“The people have high hopes that the new government will perform its duties responsibly and with integrity.
“Therefore, there needs to be a transition of mindset, that they are now the government and no longer in the opposition.”
This morning, more ministers were sworn in at Istana Negara, bringing the total number of ministers in the Cabinet, including the Prime Minister and his deputy, to 27.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia political analyst Dr Ainul Adzellie Hasnul had a similar view.
He said the new Cabinet was a “first-class line-up” adding that most of the ministers were young, thus giving them the opportunity to plan for the country’s future.
He said the fact that the ministers had different educational backgrounds would give Putrajaya an advantage, especially as it suited their respective portfolios.
“This Cabinet provides a significant platform for the youth with the appointment of Syed Saddiq,” he said.
“I believe the ministers will be doing their best because they know that the people are craving for change.
“The government knows the people are watching. They will continue to prove that they are a better government than the previous one and they are definitely on track.
“This Cabinet also shows that cooperation among PH component parties is good and, besides that, there are also three full ministers from Parti Warisan Sabah.”
Universiti Teknologi Mara political expert Datuk Dr Ismail Sualman said the new government would bring significant change to the country and the people’s lives.
However, he also pointed out that most of the new ministers had never held ministerial posts and must step up their game by getting familiar with their portfolios immediately.
“This new Cabinet has its own strength,” he said.
“What’s important now is for them to fulfil PH’s manifesto within the first 100 days as promised.
“In terms of experience, most of them are lacking.
“Therefore, they should consult officers at their respective ministries before making any public statements.
“This is important in maintaining credibility and also to ensure there will be no confusion.”
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