Thursday 28 Mar 2024
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This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on March 10, 2020

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has opted not to appoint a deputy prime minister and instead had decided to appoint four senior ministers.

The four senior ministers are Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, who has been appointed the international trade and industry minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (defence minister), Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (works minister) and Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin (education minister).

“The appointment of these senior ministers will allow the resolution of issues that may arise between the different ministries in a more effective manner. I want to form a Cabinet that delivers,” Muhyiddin said in a televised announcement.

The four senior ministers will assist the prime minister, including in chairing Cabinet meetings when the premier is not around.

Notably, CIMB Group Holdings Bhd group chief executive officer Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz has been appointed the new finance minister.

In a statement, Tengku Zafrul said he was humbled by the enormous responsibility, especially at a time when the country is facing unprecedented economic challenges.

“I undertake to give my best to the nation and am looking forward to serving with all the relevant stakeholders in ensuring we remain steadfast and, in the spirit of inclusivity, work together to realise our collective aspirations,” he said.

Muhyiddin named Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed as minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of the economy.

“To ensure that the new Cabinet has integrity, all members have gone through a screening by the Royal Malaysia Police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission,” the prime minister said.

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