Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed dismay with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s new Cabinet, saying the lack of fresh blood would not restore investor confidence in the country.
In a short video this evening, he noted that there was already a growing perception that the returning line-up of ministers meant Malaysia was getting a “recycled government”.
“But what I suppose is quite obvious is that it (the Cabinet line-up) will not afford to inject new spirit and confidence of local and foreign investors,” he said.
Anwar argued today that the country’s Covid-19 and economic crises meant the country needed fresh ideas and approaches.
“But the measure that was taken is just recycling of ministers who did not show their capabilities to overcome the problem effectively.
“The people, as we see on social media, have expressed their disappointment. They say this cabinet is an old cabinet. Indeed, this new line-up is a disappointment.
“For a year and a half, the previous government was given the opportunity to combat Covid-19.
“However, the then ministers were not able to curb the spread of the virus.
“We, in the opposition bloc, will continue to condemn the government if there is no effort to improve the situation,” Anwar said.
Anwar noted that Ismail Sabri had given both new and reappointed ministers and deputy ministers 100 days to deliver.
“But for one-and-a-half years, they failed to show any progress that we can be proud of.
“The change that we had hoped for did not happen,” he said.
Political pundits were also dismayed, saying Ismail Sabri did not have the influence to bring change.
They added that they were not surprised with the Bera MP’s cabinet list, branding the cabinet Perikatan Nasional 2.0.