KUALA LUMPUR: International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz was the only absentee in the unity government's special cabinet meeting today.

It is understood that he is in Abu Dhabi to attend a trade mission.

Sources told Berita Harian that the ministry is expected to make an official announcement on the matter tomorrow.

Earlier reports had claimed that Tengku Zafrul had missed the cabinet meeting as he was away in Qatar. 

"He is not in Qatar, as claimed. He's not there to watch the World Cup. He went to Abu Dhabi on a trade mission," said the source.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had earlier today chaired a special cabinet meeting in Perdana Putra, the first of the unity government, three days after announcing the federal cabinet lineup on Friday.

The cabinet comprises 28 ministers as well as two deputy prime ministers. Anwar is also holding the finance minister portfolio.

The special cabinet meeting, attended by all ministers except Tengku Zafrul, began at 10am.

Anwar had arrived at the Perdana Putra building around 8.10am before chairing the meeting.

Anwar, 75, was sworn in as the country's 10th prime minister on Nov 24, almost a week after the 15th General Election (GE15) results were announced.