SHAH ALAM - The delay in the formation of the current cabinet is not a sign of the unity government's failure under the leadership of the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Political analyst Dr Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmod said it was common since the current government was not made up of an absolute majority but rather involved various parties.
"The Prime Minister promised that the cabinet that will be formed is much smaller, unlike the previous one.
"To form a small cabinet involving many coalitions, would take some time," he said when contacted on Friday.
He was commenting on the statement by Pas central working committee Dr Mohd Zuhdi Marsuki who said the delay in the formation of the cabinet by Anwar was the first failure.
In the statement, Mohd Zuhdi said Anwar was late in announcing the cabinet while the situation in the country was becoming critical.
He said the move would put the administration at risk as the country will face the floods by the end of the year.
Commenting on the formation of the cabinet, Nik Kamal said the administration of the government would still be able to proceed if no minister was appointed due to the support of civil servants.
However, he said no new policies could be introduced as it involved the approval of the cabinet.
"Public servants can only recommend but approving a policy falls under the jurisdiction of the appointed minister," he added.