Dr Mahathir, accompanied by Anwar, speaks at the press conference after chairing the PH Presidential Council meeting in Putrajaya. — Bernama photo
PUTRAJAYA: Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders have nothing against a possible Cabinet reshuffle, said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“Well, they are not against it. They did not say please do not reshuffle me,” said Dr Mahathir who is also PH chairman, when asked by reporters on the sentiment of PH leaders on the much talked about reshuffle, after chairing the PH Presidential Council meeting here yesterday.
Dr Mahathir said the decision to reshuffle the Cabinet will also take into consideration suggestions by the public.
“We will find out what the people are not happy about and if they say that we have not done anything, we will try to correct it or if they point out that we must reshuffle, we will consider,” he said.
When asked if PKR President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be included in the new Cabinet line up, Dr Mahathir said : “I have not made any decision yet.” The reply prompted a spontaneous response from Anwar who was also present at the press conference : “But, I did not apply (for any post).”
On a question whether there was any effort by the government to listen to the public’s demands on his administration, Dr Mahathir said the public was also divided into two groups.
“Some are very supportive. Those who are supportive, are not very vocal. Those who are not happy, speak out a lot.
“We have to make an assessment on who we should follow. Those who are against, or those who want the reshuffle or those who don’t, all must be taken into consideration,” he said.
Commenting on the meeting with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah on Friday before the weekly Cabinet meeting, Dr Mahathir said he explained to His Majesty on the problems faced by the government.
“I explained to the King the problem we face…that we are not completely free to do everything we like.
“We have to be advised by the wishes of the people, sentiment of the people. We are a government of five parties, not so easy to change government,” he said. — Bernama