Tok Mat's change in portfolio will not weaken his position - Analyst

KUALA LUMPUR - The transfer of Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan from Defence to the Foreign Ministry is not seen as weakening his position within Umno as claimed by the opposition.

National Security and Stability Cluster UUM Professors' Council Head Professor Muhammad Fuad Othman said Mohamad's appointment was to strengthen the challenge in international relations following the credibility of the Rembau Member of Parliament.

Fuad also took the example of Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who once excelled in his role as Foreign Minister and was eventually appointed as the fifth Prime Minister.

"Tok Mat (Mohamad) has the pedigree, ability and diplomatic skills to ensure Malaysia's status can be elevated on a global scale, the concept of our foreign relations is indeed to be friends with all countries except Israel. I think this is what our Prime Minister is hoping for.

"Don't forget, Pak Lah (Tun Abdullah) was also previously the Foreign Minister, if they say that the Foreign Ministry is 'cold storage' this is not true. We have a Foreign Minister who was also appointed as Prime Minister," he added.

In the Cabinet reshuffle on Tuesday, Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the change of Mohamad’s portfolio from Defence to Foreign Minister while his deputy is Datuk Mohamad Alamin.

The position Defence Minister is currently held by Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin and assisted by his deputy, Adly Zahari - AWANI