Dr M: Parties submit names but I decide which ministry they helm

(The Star) – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pic) said the component parties in Pakatan Harapan will submit names to him for consideration as Cabinet ministers, but that ultimately, he would decide on their positions and ministries.

The Prime Minister said that PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah had met him on Monday (May 14) to give him 10 names, although he had only asked for an initial three.

He said the priority will be given for three names to be part of the core Cabinet that will be made up of 10 people including himself.

He said that Parti Amanah Negara president Mohamad Sabu had also sent a letter suggesting three names for ministerial positions. 

“Our stand is that the parties will give us the names. (Then) I will decide which ministry they will be in charge of.

“Maybe I will meet the party chiefs one more time,” he said in a press conference on May 14 at the Perdana Leadership Foundation in Putrajaya.

Dr Mahathir said that he has been very busy with work the whole day, meeting the secretaries-general of all ministries and also with Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

“I feel very honoured because he was the first head of government that met me since I was sworn in as Prime Minister. He ignored protocol to meet me,” he added.