Muhyiddin dropped

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Najib appoints Ahmad Zahid as DPM, says it was a very difficult decision

Najib shaking hands with Zahid Hamidi after the press conference at his office in Perdana Putra. — Bernama photo

Najib shaking hands with Zahid Hamidi after the press conference at his office in Perdana Putra. — Bernama photo

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the decision to replace Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in the federal cabinet was a difficult one indeed, but it had to be taken for it to function as one solid and unified team.

The prime minister, who dropped Muhyiddin in a cabinet reshuffle announced yesterday, said it was necessary for the cabinet to function as one solid and unified team in any situation, to focus on development plans and the challenges facing the nation.

“The decision to replace Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was very difficult, but leadership is about doing what you think is right.

“To deliver for Malaysia, I must have a solid and unified team moving in the same direction.

“I welcome vigorous debate, and can accept dissent and criticism.

“However, this process should take place in the cabinet as part of the decision-making process.

“Members of the cabinet should not air their differences in an open forum that can affect public opinion against the government and Malaysia.

“It is contrary to the concept of collective responsibility that is the foundation of cabinet government,” he said after announcing the reshuffle at Perdana Putra here.

Najib thanked Muhyiddin for all his work and dedication to the government and country.

He also thanked those ministers who were no longer in the cabinet.

In the reshuffle, Najib dropped Muhyiddin as the deputy prime minister and replaced him with Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He also dropped four other ministers, namely Datuk Seri Hasan Malek (Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism), Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Rural and Regional Development), Datuk Seri G Palanivel (Natural Resources and Environment) and Datuk Dr Ewon Ebin (Science, Technology and Innovation).

Najib said he was confident the new cabinet would drive forward the government’s ability to deliver on its promises to the people.

“Nothing is more important than the needs of Malaysia and the people — I will always put their interests above all others.

“I am confident that, in time, this new cabinet will increase public confidence in the government and Barisan Nasional ahead of the 14th general election,” he said.

Najib said the cabinet reshuffle was made after taking into account the political and administrative interests. — Bernama