KUALA LUMPUR: Marking a change in the political situation, Malaysian Deputy
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has been dropped from the Cabinet by
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi takes
his place. Seven new ministers and nine new deputy ministers have also been
appointed. Particularly unsettling for the Indian community was the removal of
former MIC president Datuk Seri G Palanivel from the Cabinet.
In a statement, Muhyiddin said he accepted the decision with an open heart. “I
also thank all the heads of departments, government officials, non-governmental
organisations and all those who have supported me throughout my tenure as the
deputy prime minister.
“I accept this decision with an open heart and respect the prime minister’s
prerogative to elect and drop any cabinet members,” he said in a statement
issued on Facebook.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has since announced a Cabinet reshuffle
that sees Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi appointed Deputy Prime Minister,
as well as seven new ministers and nine new deputy ministers.
Najib told a press conference in Putrajaya that the new line-up will strengthen
the Cabinet to face challenges in managing the country before the 14th general
election.
He said the decision to replace Muhyiddin and make appointments of new
ministers was taken due to political considerations and administrative
needs.
In the reshuffle, former MIC president Datuk Seri G Palanivel was also dropped
from the Cabinet on Tuesday. He said he would continue to serve the Indian
community and the nation. He was the Natural Resources and Environment
Minister. His portfolio goes to Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar from
Sarawak.
"Rest assured that I will continue with my fight for justice for MIC and the Indian
community for as long as it takes and as long as my supporters want me. I have
dedicated my life to fighting for the Indian community politically," he said in a
statement.
Now the MIC has only one minister in the Cabinet. He is Health Minister Datuk
Seri Dr S Subramaniam.
July 28, 2015