KUALA LUMPUR: The number of ministers and deputy ministers in the Cabinet is decided based on current needs and is the prerogative of the Prime Minister, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (pic).
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department said the size of the current Cabinet should not be compared to previous administrations as the country was developing at a rapid rate.
“Each minister has a specific portfolio, and the appointment of ministers and deputy ministers for each ministry is made to suit their current needs and expectations,” she said in a written reply to Beruas MP Ngeh Koo Ham in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday.
Ngeh had asked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to state why he needed so many ministers and deputy ministers in his Cabinet in comparison to his predecessors.
“In the current world without borders, many challenges and responsibilities have to be undertaken by the Government to ensure Malaysia remains peaceful and harmonious.
“Therefore, the ministers and deputy ministers are tasked with their respective portfolios to ensure all the Government’s plans and agendas are implemented effectively, and subsequently benefit the people,” added Azalina.
There are currently 37 ministers and 32 deputy ministers in the Cabinet.
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