Cabinet reshuffle solely PM’s call, says Zahid

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 11 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Cabinet reshuffles are the sole prerogative of the Prime Minister and have never been discussed in Cabinet meetings.

The Minister of Rural and Regional Development said the Prime Minister has full authority to restructure the Cabinet or appoint anyone as a member.

“There has never been any discussion in Cabinet about reorganising it. It is the sole prerogative of the Prime Minister, who has full authority to reshuffle the Cabinet and appoint those who should serve as ministers or deputy ministers,” he told reporters after the monthly assembly at the ministry here today.

He was commenting on whether this afternoon’s special Cabinet meeting would discuss a Cabinet reshuffle or related matters.

Datuk Ewon Benedick said he tendered his resignation as Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister on Monday (November 10) morning.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said the special meeting, to be chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, will focus on Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue issue.

Yesterday, Anwar said the government will decide at a special Cabinet meeting today whether to appeal a High Court’s decision that Sabah is entitled to 40 per cent of the revenue collected in the state.

He said the government would first consider the advice of the Attorney-General before making any decision on filing an appeal. — Bernama