3 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
No Cabinet vacancies yet, don't pressure PM, says Loke
DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook said it is the prime minister's prerogative to decide on Cabinet positions. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA : All parties were urged today not to pressure Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim over the resignations of Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad as ministers.
DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook, who is transport minister, said the two posts had yet to be vacated as the PKR duo are merely on leave for now, Bernama reported.
'The appointment of ministers is the jurisdiction and prerogative of the prime minister. I am confident that he will act wisely in this matter and will take various factors into account in filling any vacancies,' Loke was quoted as saying.
'So far, there are no vacancies. As stated by the prime minister, he only approved the leave application of both ministers. They still hold their positions for now, (they are) just on leave,' he was quoted as saying.
The resignations of Rafizi as economy minister and Nik Nazmi as natural resources and environmental sustainability minister, followed their defeats in the PKR central leadership elections.
Rafizi had lost his PKR deputy presidency to Anwar's daughter, Nurul Izzah, while Nik Nazmi failed to be re-elected as a party vice-president.
The Prime Minister's Office later confirmed that Anwar had received their letters of resignation and leave applications, but only the latter was approved.
The PMO added that further decisions would be announced by Anwar later on.
Anwar was dealt another issue to handle after investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz quit Umno yesterday and said he planned to join PKR.
This has led to Umno urging Anwar to ensure that another Umno man would be appointed to a Cabinet post, since Tengku Zafrul was appointed on the party's quota.
Loke chose not to comment on the matter, saying it was none of DAP's business. 'If it does not involve my party, I will not comment. DAP members also know that and have not made any statements. I do not encourage anyone to make the situation worse if the issue involves component parties.'
