Dr M reminded of Harapan’s ‘one role for PM’ promise in manifesto

(Malaysiakini) – Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has announced that he will also helm the education portfolio.

Following this, Gerakan Youth issued a “friendly reminder” to him on Pakatan Harapan’s promise in its manifesto for the 14th general election.

This was in reference to “Promise 12: Limit the Prime Minister’s term of office and restructure the Prime Minister’s Department.”

On this matter, the manifesto states: “The prime minister will not simultaneously hold other ministerial posts, especially the post of minister of finance.”

In pointing this out, Gerakan Youth chief Tang Keng Liang said he wanted to ensure that Mahathir does not make a mistake.

“Hi Tun M (Mahathir). I thought it was a promise by Harapan that PM won’t be holding any other ministry role. That would include education ministry. Just a friendly reminder!

“I just want to make sure Tun M won’t make a mistake. Perhaps oversight. Still can turn back now before swearing in as education minister on Monday,” Tang wrote on Twitter.

MCA also cites manifesto promise

Meanwhile, MCA central committee member Ng Chok Sian urged the Harapan government to make good on its promises.

Based on this, Ng said Mahathir must retract his decision to serve as education minister as well.

“I also urge the Harapan government to reveal its full cabinet line-up in order for the new government to work on implementing the reforms which it promised the voters.

“You cannot delay this… as it would give the impression that the reform agenda would only come from the prime minister and the five individuals in the advisory council.

“This is against the system of the cabinet’s collective responsibility,” Ng added in a statement.

At a press conference earlier, Mahathir also announced that deputy prime minister-designate Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail would oversee the women’s and welfare portfolio.

Previously, the prime minister named DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng as finance minister, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin as home minister and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu as defence minister.

According to Mahathir, more cabinet members would be announced tomorrow.