KUALA LUMPUR – Newly minted MCA vice-president, Datuk Seri Wee Jeck Seng, said that he is not aware of the possibility of a party representative being appointed as a minister in the anticipated cabinet reshuffle.
However, when asked about his preferred portfolio if he were to be appointed, the Tg Piai MP emphasised that representatives must diligently fulfil their roles under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s administration.
“You see, this is not a matter of personal preference. It is the prime minister’s prerogative,” he told Scoop when contacted.
“So, whatever assignment he gives us, we will put forth our best effort and collaborate.”
This follows reports suggesting that representatives from Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties MCA and MIC may be considered for ministerial positions in the potential cabinet reshuffle.
Currently, in the unity government, cabinet members from BN are exclusively composed of lawmakers from Umno and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah.
The only parliamentarians from MCA and MIC in the unity government are Wee Jeck Seng, MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong, and MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan.
Scoop has reached out to the Ayer Hitam and Tapah MPs and is awaiting their responses.
Rumours of a cabinet reshuffle have arisen due to the vacancy in the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, following the passing of its former minister, Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, on July 23.
Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi remained non-committal when asked about the possibility of a cabinet reshuffle, citing the still-vacant portfolio.
Anwar stated that he would “consider the reshuffle in due time,” emphasising that there was no urgency as acting minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali was effectively managing the ministry.
The cabinet reshuffle is rumoured to occur after the Pelangai by-election scheduled for October 7 and would result in several ministerial changes. – October 2, 2023