Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin unveiled the names of his ministers and their respective deputies in Putrajaya this evening.
The Bersatu president described the line-up as a “functional cabinet”, which would deliver its services in a focussed and effective manner.
“For this, I have appointed four senior ministers who will help me coordinate the affairs of the cabinet related to economy, security, infrastructure development, education and social (issues).
“The appointment of these senior ministers will enable the issues which arise between the ministries and the abovementioned fields to be streamlined in a more effective manner.
“In summary, I want to form a cabinet which can provide the best service to the rakyat – a cabinet that delivers,” he stressed.
Read more: Muhyiddin's full cabinet lineup
With the appointment of the senior ministers, Muhyiddin said there is no need for a deputy prime minister at this point of time.
“These senior ministers will assist me in my duties as prime minister, including charing the cabinet meetings when I am not in the country,” he added.
The four senior ministers are:
International Trade and Industries Minister – Azmin Ali
Deputy Minister: Lim Ban Hong (to be appointed senator)
Defence Minister – Ismail Sabri Yaakob
Deputy Minister: Ikhmal Hisham Abdul Aziz
Works Minister - Fadillah Yusof
Deputy Minister: Shahruddin Md Salleh
Education Minister - Mohd Radzi Md Jidin
Deputy Minister I: Dr Mah Hang Soon (to be appointed senator)
Deputy Minister II: Muslimin Yahaya
Higher Education Ministry, Unity Ministry, Sabah and S'wak affairs
Meanwhile, Muhyiddin said several ministries, such as the Education Ministry, would be restructured to meet the current demands.
In its current framework, the premier said the ministry is burdened with overseeing education from pre-school level right up to institutions of higher learning.
Therefore, Muhyiddin said the Higher Education Ministry would be revived. Umno's Parit Sulong MP Noraini Ahmad has been appointed as its minister.
Muhyiddin said since Malaysia is known around the world for its multiethnic, multicultural and multireligious composition, a specific ministry would be formed with regard to this.
According to the premier, the new cabinet would also feature two additional portfolios – environment as well as Sabah and Sarawak affairs.
“This government is serious in wanting to tackle development and socio-economic issues of the rakyat in Sabah and Sarawak.
“My cabinet will ensure that the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 would translate into policies and programmes which directly benefit the people of Sabah and Sarawak.
“Therefore, I will create a specific portfolio on Sabah and Sarawak affairs which will be headed by a minister in the Prime Minister's Department,” he added.
Muhyiddin announced that Parti Bersatu Sabah's Maximus Johnity Ongkili would oversee this portfolio.
