Claiming There Are No Posts For The Opposition In The Cabinet, Malaysian PM Sabri Yaakob: Could Contribute To The COVID-19 Council

Ismail Sabri Yaakob during his appointment as Malaysia's PM. (Twitter/@IsmailSabri60)

JAKARTA - Malaysia's newly appointed Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said opposition politicians would not be appointed as ministers, amid the unity government's suggestion, Monday local time.

Instead of the cabinet, he said the opposition could contribute to dealing with COVID-19 through the National Recovery Council or special committees.

"They want to discuss, God willing. I will meet with them to discuss, they want to know what their role is", he said as quoted by CNA Monday, August 23.

"Similar to economic recovery, there is a National Recovery Council and they can also be involved in it", continued PM Ismail Sabri after reviewing the floods in Kedah.

When asked if this meant the role of the Cabinet, Ismail Sabri said there was no unity government involving opposition parties.

"But, cooperation does not mean they are in the Cabinet. If they really want to help solve the COVID-19 problem, we have a COVID-19 Special Committee, they can contribute their opinions and ideas there", he said.

According to him, both sides can sit down together to deal with COVID-19 and the country's economic recovery.

On this occasion, PM Ismail Sabri said that the composition of his government's cabinet would be announced this weekend, and it would be presented to the King of Malaysia. However, he said the names circulating online were incorrect regarding his cabinet ministerial candidates.

"There is no list yet, so don't believe this (list). Candidates will be considered holistically and the interests of all parties will be taken into account", he said.

To note, Ismail Sabri was sworn in as Malaysia's ninth prime minister last Saturday, August 21, after nearly a week of political turmoil in Putrajaya.

Previously, he served as deputy prime minister and minister of defense in the Perikatan Nasional government led by Muhyiddin Yassin, who resigned last Monday after losing majority support in the Lower House.

In his first televised address as prime minister to the country on Sunday, Ismail Sabri has offered opposition politicians the opportunity to get involved in the country's economic and COVID-19 recovery efforts.

Introducing the concept of the 'Malaysian Family', he said everyone needs to find common ground and move towards consensus building for safety and security together.