ALOR SETAR - Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor slammed the newly announced Cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, accusing it of adding to a string of unfulfilled promises.
Sanusi pointed to the expansion of the Cabinet, with five additional ministers and deputy ministers, instead of the promised downsizing.
"Many promises were violated.
"The attempt to downsize the cabinet was not achieved, the promise of free education remains unfulfilled, and there's no reduction in oil prices.
"All of this goes against promises made during the elections.
"I recall it wasn't just once during the last election.
"In many previous election cycles, promises were made, but they were all 'dicapati' (unfulfilled), including the reduction of Cabinet Ministers," he said at a press conference after the Kedah exco meeting at Wisma Darul Aman today.
Sanusi claims that the reshuffle is believed to have been driven by the demands of the coalition parties within the Unity Government.
"This reshuffle seems more about appeasing coalition parties than boosting efficiency," Sanusi stated, suggesting that Anwar's position depended on party support, leading to prioritisation of political considerations over competency.
On Tuesday, Anwar announced several changes in the federal Cabinet lineup, with 31 ministers supported by 29 deputy ministers, a slight increase from the previous 28 ministers and 27 deputy ministers.
Meanwhile, on an unrelated matter, Sanusi challenged former DAP chairman Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang to stick to his recent controversial statement regarding the Malaysian Dream speech.
"If he's brave enough, please proceed in that direction. That's my response," he added.
Kit Siang confirmed being called in for police questioning regarding his speech in England last month, stating that the Federal Constitution does not bar any non-Malay from becoming Prime Minister.
He reportedly said that a 230-year period is not required for a non-Malay to be given that opportunity.