Unity government cabinet needs to be holistic
The Sinar Live programme entitled "Kabinet Bayangan Anwar Ibrahim" features (from left) the Moderator, Hazwan Mokhtar; PKR Vice President Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and UPM Political Analyst Dr Syed Agil Alsagoff held at the Karangkraf Group Complex on Saturday. / PHOTO BY MOHD HALIM ABDUL WAHID
Political analyst, Dr Syed Agil Alsagoff said the challenge of forming a cabinet line should be fair and equitable and agreed upon between all the political parties in order for the goal of rebuilding the country to be realized.
"Anwar's assessment in forming a cabinet must follow the mold of Malaysia and not be likened to a unity government abroad. It is different because in Malaysia, it was created to strengthen the government by taking into account the cooperation between all parties.
"They will set up a cabinet with a more comprehensive, holistic and open administrative structure. This is to fulfil the people's desire and hope to build a stronger nation," he said in a Sinar Live programme entitled ‘Kabinet Bayangan Anwar Ibrahim' which was broadcasted live on all Sinar Harian's digital platform on Saturday.
Also invited as a panelist was People's Justice Party (PKR), vice president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad while Hazwan Mokhtar acted as moderator.
Meanwhile, Syed Agil said the size of the cabinet that will be formed will not be an issue or should be enlarged because overall, it needs to look at its goals.
"I see a lot of administrative transformation will be visible, even if the size of the cabinet is small, it's all physical stuff. More important is the goal to accomplish the people's hopes of facing the living costs problem and so on. "In Anwar's first speech recently, he mentioned the cost of living and his assurance that it can be improved, as well as the price of goods and so on," he said.
Meanwhile, on the portfolio of the Finance Minister, Syed Ali said there are still many figures or individuals from other parties who are seen as capable of leading the main ministry and the task should not be assigned to Anwar alone.
" My view is that Anwar is a respected figure and former Finance Minister but this time his 'task' is huge for leading a unity government, undoubtedly focusing on many social, economic issues that the people bear.
"I think there is a large talent pool among MPs who can lead the Ministry of Finance based on skills, education and experience of managing state finances. "In all parties there are certain people who can be appointed or elected as Finance Minister," he said.
