PETALING JAYA: The new Cabinet must demonstrate that it is able to implement unprecedented measures and tackle various forms of crises, say political analysts.

       Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) political analyst Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said there was a need for members of the new Cabinet to take unprecedented measures and decisions.

       “This will be a ‘war-time’ Cabinet to manage crises and it needs to be filled with those who have the expertise and leadership,” he said.

       He said the Cabinet ministers should work closely with the National Recovery Council, which should be expanded to include Opposition party leaders.

       Prof Sivamurugan: New Cabinet should work with the National Recovery Council.

       Prof Sivamurugan added that the merger of several ministries with relevant portfolios could be an apt decision by the Prime Minister.

       “We can utilise the civil servants to focus on recovery and help the delivery system,” he added.

       He pointed out that there were no provisions under the Federal Constitution requiring a deputy prime minister to be appointed in the Cabinet.

       Another political analyst, Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi of Universiti Malaya, said a “war-time” Cabinet should have a strong team to tackle all government efforts in dealing with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

       He stressed, however, that the new Cabinet must take into account public criticisms of the previous administration, and Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob must ensure that his Cabinet lineup was not too “bloated”.

       “He can help to reduce wastage of government funds,” he added.

       He also believed there was no need to appoint a deputy prime minister, as there are no any provisions under the Federal Constitution compelling the prime minister to do so.

       “The Cabinet is still legitimate and it can still function. This position (deputy prime minister) will be fought over by many, as though the incoming deputy prime minister will be the next prime minister. This may not be true for every leader,” Prof Awang said.

       Prof Shamrahayu: King acts upon Prime Minister’s advice in appointing ministers.

       When Tan Sir Muhyiddin Yassin formed the Perikatan Nasional government in March last year, he did not have a deputy prime minister in his Cabinet.

       Instead, he was assisted by four senior ministers in charge of key portfolios such as Education, Security, Finance and Economics, and Works.

       Constitutional law expert Prof Datuk Dr Shamrahayu Abdul Aziz said that under the Federal Constitution, the King is bound to act upon the advice of the Prime Minister on the appointment of new ministers.

       “The Prime Minister has to present the Cabinet list to the King for approval and His Majesty shall appoint the ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister.

       “It is the usual practice that His Majesty, as under Article 43(2)(a) and 43(2)(b), shall appoint ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister.

       “It is also stated that the advice on the appointment of the Cabinet is meant to be the advice His Majesty will act upon. This is coming back to the provision of 40(1) and 40(1)(a) that the King has to appoint on the advice of the Prime Minister,” said Prof Shamrahayu.

       She also said although the King may give opinions on the appointment of ministers, in principle, the King acts upon the advice of the Prime Minister.