ECONOMIC affairs minister Rafizi Ramli has announced that the Government will commence looking into the appointment of deputy ministers this week, will complete the line-up of the unity government.

According to an FMT report, Rafizi said that the deputies will be sworn in most likely “in a week or two” and that the Cabinet had discussed the matter briefly yesterday.

Rafizi added that each party leader in the unity government has to propose their candidates but the number of deputy ministers appointed from each party will depend on how many MPs they have.

In a press conference in Putrajaya today (Dec 6), Rafizi said the prime minister will see who among the proposed candidates – taking into consideration their expertise and qualifications – are suited for which portfolio.

“After the prime minister has taken these into consideration, he will present the names to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to seek his consent.”

Anwar unveiled his 28-member Cabinet on Friday (Dec 2).

Pakatan Harapan has 15 ministers through PKR, DAP, Amanah and UPKO; Barisan Nasional (six, through UMNO), Gabungan Parti Sarawak (five, through PBB, PRS and PDP) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (one, through Sabah Bersatu).

PKR has the most number of ministers in the Cabinet (eight), followed by UMNO (six), DAP (four), Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (three), Amanah (two), and Sabah Bersatu, Parti Rakyat Sarawak, People’s Democratic Party and UPKO (one each).

While the appointment of deputy ministers usually takes a back seat in terms of prominence, it is believed that it holds far greater significance this time around due to the prime minister’s need to quell any dissatisfaction in coalitions, as well as shore up support for the cabinet ministers themselves. – Dec 6, 2022

https://focusmalaysia.my/report-appointment-of-deputy-ministers-in-a-week-or-two-says-rafizi/