New Cabinet lineup is to strengthen federal administration, economy, says Fadillah

PETALING JAYA: The announcement of the new Cabinet lineup by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is to strengthen the federal administration and the country’s economy, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

Aside from retaining his position as the Deputy Prime Minister, Fadillah was also appointed to helm a newly-created portfolio of the Energy Transition and Public Utilities Ministry.

At the same time, Fadillah is also tasked with the responsibility of overseeing matters related to Sabah and Sarawak.

“The appointment of new authoritative faces, the creation of new ministries, the reorganisation of duties in existing ministries and the exchange of portfolios is believed to be able to drive every plan or agenda prepared by the Madani government for the well-being of the people.

“In considering the reshuffle of the Cabinet, the interests of the country and stable politics are of course the Prime Minister's priority. This is very important because for us to stimulate and strengthen the economy, the main basis is the arrival of investors and stable politics.

“I also believe that the Prime Minister has carefully assessed the suitability of each minister and the entrusted portfolio based on their respective knowledge and skills, after closely monitoring the entire year of the unity government,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (Dec 12).

Just like how he had performed his duties in previous portfolios such as the Plantation and Commodities Ministry and Works Ministry, Fadillah said that he vows to carry out his new responsibilities in the best possible way.

He also called on other Cabinet members to focus on working for the people and the country while at the same time continuing to strengthen the bonds of unity in the Madani government.

“For the affairs of Sabah and Sarawak, I will give priority to continuing efforts to immediately resolve outstanding issues and put MA63 in its proper place, thereby bridging the physical, economic and social gap between Sarawak and Sabah and the Peninsula.

“To all levels from the top management, officers and employees of the Plantation and Commodities Ministry, I would like to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude for the best cooperation and full commitment given during my time leading the ministry. Give similar cooperation to my successor, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.

“Regardless of race, religion and political beliefs, hopefully we can together build a stable, advanced and prosperous Madani Malaysia based on the Federal Constitution and Rukun Negara principles,” he added.