KUALA LUMPUR: Following criticism raised over Hannah Yeoh’s appointment as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), the government has moved to clarify that all decisions by ministers in the department are still subject to the approval of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said Yeoh’s role is to manage the Federal Territories portfolio within the Prime Minister’s Department, and she does not operate as the head of a separate ministry.
“Yeoh’s role is within the Prime Minister’s Department, overseeing the Federal Territories portfolio.
“She does not head a separate ministry, her direct superior is the Prime Minister (himself), and any decisions or actions taken are also referred to the Prime Minister,” he said in a weekly press conference today.
He was responding to comments made by Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, who reportedly said that the government must clarify the issue in light of public sentiment regarding several ministers following the reshuffle.
Fahmi added that post-cabinet meetings are routinely attended by all ministers in the Prime Minister’s Department to ensure proper coordination and oversight.
“The Prime Minister also monitors the work of these ministers and provides guidance or instructions whenever necessary,” he said.
Yesterday, Anwar defended his new cabinet lineup, especially in terms of Yeoh’s appointment, noting that the appointment of ministers and deputy ministers should not be turned into a racial issue, as the selection of cabinet members is not based on skin colour.
He also said that governance in the Federal Territories requires teamwork, noting that while the mayor and senior officials may be Malay, their responsibility remains to serve and protect the interests of all communities.
Meanwhile, in terms of the appointment of Marhamah Rosli as Deputy Minister in Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Fahmi reiterated that the fundraising campaign for “Justice for Zara” complied with all rules, received approval from the relevant office, and was audited, with her not linked to the collection account.
“Meanwhile, on Adam Adli (Deputy Higher Education Minister), this relates to statements he had made and circulated previously (on the National Higher Education Fund Corporation), which is common in politics.
“The Prime Minister has also frequently been reminded of his own pledge to reduce fuel prices, so it is usual for politicians to be held accountable for statements they have made in the past.”
On a separate note, Fahmi said the cabinet did not touch on the Unified Examination Certificate during yesterday’s meeting.
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