PETALING JAYA: There is no time to spare for those selected as Cabinet members, says Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

       The former Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative Minister added that it was irrespective of whether the new Cabinet line-up is “new or old”.

       "Nevertheless, be it old or new, it is clear that those handpicked to spearhead the ministries certainly have no time to spare, as we have been given 100 days to produce results upon assuming our duties,” he said when contacted Friday (Aug 27).

       Wan Junaidi, a legally trained former Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker, was appointed Minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of Parliament and Law.

       He replaced Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, who was appointed as Energy and Natural Resources Minister, under Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob's new administration.

       "The premier is indeed serious when he says that this new Cabinet line-up serves as his management team to work with the people," Wan Junaidi added.

       Wan Junaidi, 75, from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), said he was glad to see that several ministers from the previous administration were retained.

       "It is indication that the premier wants to see continuity in efforts that have already been put in place, namely on three areas of priority – fighting Covid-19, reviving the economy and taking care of the rakyat’s wellbeing," he added.

       The Santubong MP has also previously served as Natural Resources and Environment minister.

       Meanwhile, former Minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of Parliament and Law, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, was roped into the new Cabinet line-up as Federal Territories Minister.

       Shahidan posted a brief message on his Facebook page shortly after the announcement on Friday (Aug 27), thanking Ismail Sabri for his appointment.

       Shahidan was appointed chairman of the National Housing Corporation in March under the former administration.

       Shahidan, who was former Perlis mentri besar, had previously headed the Natural Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).

       The 70-year-old Arau MP replaced Tan Sri Anuar Musa, who will now head the Communications and Multimedia Ministry.