A 5-minute guide on who’s who in Malaysia’s new Cabinet.

Like a good sneeze, the political uncertainty in Malaysia is let out with a long hatchiuuu Monday evening, as the Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced the new Cabinet lineup. Besides having noticeably more ministers than one might expect, there are several new things about the Muhyiddin Cabinet as well.

On top of having each minister and their deputy(ies) pass background checks carried out by the MACC and the police, several people who aren’t in politics were also named as ministers, and instead of a deputy Prime Minister to stand in when he’s away, Muhyiddin had announced four senior ministers for that.

“My Cabinet line-up comprises political leaders who are experienced as well as technocrats and individuals. To ensure that the Cabinet is one that has integrity, all members I announced have passed background checks,” – Muhyiddin Yassin, as reported by The Star.

If you’ve read through the list already, you might find some names to be a bit… unfamiliar.

Like, who are these people, and why are they ministers? Well, for now, maybe we can answer the who part, and since some may be a bit suspicious of the MACC vetting part, we’ll double confirm again to be sure. But before we get into the new ministers list….

 

Here are some differences between the new Cabinet and the old one

Three ministries have new names:

• The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development was renamed as Ministry of Women and Family.
• The Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry was renamed as Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries.
• The Ministry of Primary Industries was renamed as Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities.

Changes were made to the Prime Minister’s Department (PMD):

• The Ministry of Economic Affairs returned to PMD as the economic affairs portfolio.
• The national unity portfolio was taken out of PMD and became the Ministry of National Unity.
• A new portfolio was created for Sabah and Sarawak affairs.

The Ministry of Education was split into itself and the Ministry of Higher Education, and

The Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water, Land and Natural Resources were reorganized into three ministries:

• Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources
• Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, and
• Ministry of Environment

Now that that’s over with, here’s the list!

 

Starting with the 4 Senior Ministers…

1. Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, International Trade and Industries Minister

Political party: BERSATU (formerly PKR)

Past posts:

• Gombak MP (2008 – present)
• Vice-President of PKR (Nov 2001 – Nov 2010)
• Deputy President of PKR (Nov 2010 – Feb 2020)
• Selangor’s Menteri Besar (Sep 2014 – Jun 2018)
• Minister of Economic Affairs (May 2018 – Feb 2020)

Past corruption cases: No reported charges. According to an allegation by an Umno supreme council member, Azmin’s personal bank account once got cash transferred to it from a construction company. It was also alleged by blogger ‘Toyol of Selangor’ that Azmin and his wife had several offshore bank accounts. However, the MACC had cleared Azmin of any wrongdoing after an investigation together with Bank Negara Malaysia and other financial bodies in 2019.

Academic background: B.Sc. in Economics and Mathematics and Masters in Education (University of Minnesota)

2. Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Bin Yaakob, Defence Minister

Political party: UMNO

Past posts:

• Bera MP (2004 – present)
• Minister of Youth and Sports (Mar 2008 – Apr 2009)
• Minister of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism (Apr 2009 – May 2013)
• Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry (May 2013 – Jul 2015)
• Minister of Rural and Regional Development (Jul 2015 – May 2018)
• Opposition Leader (Mar 2019 – Feb 2020)

Past corruption cases: No reported cases. There is a case with MACC investigation for alleged embezzlement of funds when he was the Rural Development minister, but the embezzlement happened before he took office, so he was just cooperating.  In an interview, he mentioned that integrity is a foundation of his, making him ‘a better person, a good worker and a good minister’.

Academic background: According to his page, he continued his studies at University Malaya’s Faculty of Law in 1980, but he didn’t specifically say what he studied.

 

3. Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Yusof, Works Minister

Political party: PBB

Past posts:

• Petra Jaya MP (2004-present)
• Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mar 2008 – May 2013)
• Minister of Works (May 2013 – May 2018)
• Vice-president of PBB

Past corruption cases: None reported. Did not show aversion to initiative to declare assets to the MACC by the GPS government.

Academic background: Got his Law Degree from University Malaya in 1986.

 

4. Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin, Education Minister

Political party: BERSATU (formerly UMNO)

Past posts:

• BERSATU information chief (2018-present)
• Senator in Dewan Negara (2018-present)
• Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs (Jul 2018-Feb 2020)

Past corruption cases: None to mention. Advocated for a stronger Whistleblower Act to protect the public.

Academic background: According to a blog, he has a bachelor’s degree in Trade (Accounting and Finance) from the La Trobe University in Melbourne, a Master’s degree from the Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and a PhD at the Australian National University. According to his Facebook page, he taught accounting, auditing and forensic accounting at three Australian universities, and he’s a Certified Accountant and member of Australia’s Certified Practicing Accountants (CPA).

 

…to the 5 Ministers in the Prime Minister Department…

1. Dato’ Sri Mustapa bin Mohamed, Economic Affairs Minister

Political party: BERSATU (formerly UMNO)

Past posts:

• Jeli MP (Jun 1995 – Nov 1999), (2004 – present)
• Deputy Finance Minister (Dec 1993 – May 1995)
• Minister of Entrepreneur Development (May 1995 – Dec 1999)
• Minister of Finance II (Sep 1998 – Dec 1999)
• Minister in Prime Minister’s Department (Mar 2004 – Feb 2006)
• Minister of Higher Education (Feb 2006 – Mar 2008)
• Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry (Mar 2008 – Apr 2009)
• Minister of International Trade and Industry (Apr 2009 – May 2018)

Past corruption cases: None reported. He was investigated for 1MBD-linked money allegedly going to UMNO Kelantan, but he didn’t get charged.

Academic background: From Wikiwand, he has a First Class Honours degree in Economics from University of Melbourne, and Masters in Economic Development from Boston University.

2. Dato’ Seri Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof, Special Affairs Minister

Political party: BERSATU

Past posts:

• Alor Gajah MP (2018-present)
• Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperation (Jul 2018 – Feb 2020)
• Malacca BERSATU State Chairman

Past corruption cases: None found.

Academic background: Redzuan has a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Leeds University.

 

3. Dato’ Takiyuddin Bin Hassan, Parliament and Laws Minister

Political party: PAS

Past posts:

• MP for Kota Bharu (2013-present)
• Secretary-General for PAS (2015-present)

Past corruption cases: No reported cases. Was investigated by MACC over the issue of RM90 million allegedly given to PAS by UMNO from the 1MDB issue, but so far nothing else.

Academic background: Has a Bachelor’s degree in Law from University Malaya from 1982.

 

4. Dato’ Seri Dr. Hj Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, Religious Affairs Minister

Political party: None (to be appointed as senator)

Past posts: Mufti of the Federal Territories (Jun 2014 – Mar 2020)

Past corruption cases: None reported.

Academic background: Dr Zulkifli has a Bachelor’s degree in Sharia law from the Madinah Islamic University, a Master’s degree in Sharia law from the Ulum al-Islamiyyah wa al-Arabiyyah University in Syria, and a PhD from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

 

5. Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Maximus Johnity Ongkili, Sabah and Sarawak Affairs Minister

Political party: PBS

Past posts:

• MP for Bandau (Apr 1995 – Mar 2004)
• MP for Kota Marudu (2004 – present)
• Minister in Prime Minister’s Department (Mar 2004 – Mar 2008)
• Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mar 2008 – May 2018)
• President of PBS

Past corruption cases: None reported.

Academic background: A degree in Agricultural Science and a PhD in Agricultural Economics from the La Trobe University in Australia.

 

… and the 22 ‘dan lain-lain’ Ministers.

1. Tengku Dato’ Sri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Finance Minister

Political party: None (to be appointed as senator)

Past posts:

• One of the judges on reality TV show The Firm (2007)
• CEO of CIMB Group Holdings Bhd (2014-2020)

Past corruption cases: None reported. Signed an anti corruption pledge as CIMB’s CEO.

Academic background: Zafrul has a B.Sc.(Hons) in Economics and Accounting from the University of Bristol, and a Master of Arts in Finance and Management from the University of Exeter.

 

2. Datuk Seri Ir. Dr. Wee Ka Siong, Transport Minister

Political party: MCA

Past posts:

• MP for Ayer Hitam (2004 – present)
• MCA Youth Chief (Oct 2008 – Dec 2013)
• Deputy Minister of Education (Mar 2008 – May 2013)
• MCA Deputy President (Dec 2013 – Nov 2018)
• Minister in Prime Minister’s Department (Jun 2014 – May 2018)
• President of MCA

Past corruption cases: None reported, but he sure likes calling ’em out.

Academic background: Studied Civil Engineering at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), then pursued a Masters degree in Traffic Engineering at Nanyang Technological University Singapore. Has a PhD in Transportation Planning from UTM. Apparently he’s got photos to prove it, too.

 

3. Dato’ Tuan Ibrahim Bin Tuan Man, Environment Minister

Political party: PAS

Past posts:

• ADUN for Jengka (Nov 1999 – Mar 2004)
• MP for Kubang Kerian (May 2018 – present)
• Deputy president of PAS (2015 – present)

Past corruption cases: None that we can find, but he did made headlines once for saying that declaring assets is un-Islamic.

Academic background: Has a Bachelor’s degree (Hons) in Department and Leadership from the National University of Malaysia (UKM), plus a Masters in Dakwah and Leadership from UKM as well.

 

4. Datuk Seri Saravanan A/L Murugan, Human Resources Minister

Political party: MIC

Past posts:

• MP for Tapah (Mar 2008 – present)
• Deputy Minister of Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing (Mar 2008 – May 2013)
• Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports (May 2013 – May 2018)
• Deputy President of the MIC

Past corruption cases: None found.

Academic background: We can’t… find it. Not much Internet presence. Not even a Facebook page. Blog last updated in 2009. But we do know he’s Aquarius, so that’s nice.

 

5. Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Annuar Bin Musa, Federal Territories Minister

Political party: UMNO

Past posts:

• MP for Peringat (1995 – 1999)
• MP for Ketereh (2013 – present)
• Minister of Youth and Sports (Oct 1990 – Dec 1993)
• Minister of Rural Development (Dec 1993 – Dec 1999)
• Secretary-general for UMNO

Past corruption cases: None reported. In 2017, Annuar was investigated by the MACC for alleged graft and abuse of power issues regarding the sponsorship of Kelantan’s football team. However, the investigations ended, and the MACC decided not to charge Annuar.

Academic background: Has a bachelor’s degree in Town and Village Planning from UTM, as well as a masters in Construction Management from the University College of London.

 

6. Datuk Seri Rina Binti Mohd Harun, Women and Family Minister

Political party: BERSATU (formerly UMNO)

Past posts:

• Various UMNO Women and Youth positions (2002-2016)
• MP for Titiwangsa (May 2018 – present)
• BERSATU Women’s Chief (Apr 2017 – present)
• Minister of Rural Development (May 2018 – Feb 2020)

Past corruption cases: None reported.

Academic background: Has a diploma in Business Studies from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) and a bachelor’s degree in Finance Management and Banking from Northwood University in Michigan.

 

7. Dato’ Dr Noraini Binti Ahmad, Higher Education Minister

Political party: UMNO

Past posts:

• MP for Parit Sulong (2008-present)
• Chairperson for the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) (Apr 2019 – present)
• Deputy Minister of Human Resources (Mar 2008 – Apr 2009)
• UMNO’s Women Chief (Jun 2018 – present)

Past corruption cases: None reported.

Academic background: Has a bachelor’s degree in Business (Quantitative Analysis) from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada; a masters in Business Administration from Universiti Tun Abdul Razak, and a PhD in Development Management from UUM.

 

8. Dato’ Dr Shamsul Anuar Hj Nasarah, Energy and Natural Resources Minister

Political party: UMNO

Past posts:

• MP for Lenggong (since 2008)
• Chairman of PTPTN (2013 – 2018)
• UMNO Information Chief

Past corruption cases: None reported. Shown his support for Najib after WSJ alleged that Najib embezzled RM2.6 billion into his personal bank accounts. Not to be confused with Shamsul Anwar Sulaiman, managing director of Ihsan Perdana Sdn Bhd.

Academic background: Has a master’s degree in Public Administration and a PhD in Development Management, both from UUM.

 

9. Datuk Seri Hamzah Bin Zainuddin, Home Minister

Political party: BERSATU (previously UMNO)

Past posts:

• MP for Larut (since 2008)
• Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government (Mar 2008 – Apr 2009)
• Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities (Apr 2009 – May 2013)
• Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (May 2013 – Jul 2015)
• Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism (Jul 2015 – May 2018)
• Chairman of FELCRA (early 2000s)

Past corruption cases: While there aren’t any reports on corruption investigations on Hamzah explicitly, in 2004 he made headlines when he was ordered to pay his ex-wife half of his wealth as a divorce settlement. That amounted to RM11.2 million, which is abnormally huge as far as divorce settlements go. This led to some finding the actual amount of his wealth suspicious, but we have yet to find any reports of charges or investigations regarding the matter.

Academic background: As far as we can tell, he studied Quantity Surveying at UTM, but we don’t know at what level.

Trivia: Was sued by Anwar Ibrahim for alleging that Anwar had harassed his wife in 1998.

 

10. Dato’ Sri Dr Adham bin Baba, Health Minister

Political party: UMNO

Past posts:

• MP for Tenggara (2004-2008) and since 2018.
• ADUN for Pasir Raja (2008-2018)
• Parliamentary Secretary of Higher Education Ministry (2004-2008)
• Special Officer (Education) at Ministry of Youth and Sports (2000-2004)

Past corruption cases: None as far as we can tell. Doesn’t even have a Wikipedia page.

Academic background: Has a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Universiti Malaya, worked as a Ministry of Health medical officer from 1988 to 1990.

 

11. Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee, Agriculture and Food Industry Minister

Political party: BERSATU (formerly UMNO)

Past posts:

• MP for Beluran (since 1999)
• Chairman of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) (Aug 2018 – Apr 2019)

Past corruption cases: None reported.

Academic background: Ronald received a PhD in Political Sociology from USM in 2014 for his thesis on ethnic politics.

Trivia: Caused some ruckus when he jumped party to BERSATU while still holding the PAC chairman seat.

 

12. Datuk Dr Hj Abd Latiff Bin Hj Ahmad, Rural Development Minister

Political party: BERSATU

Past posts:

• MP for Mersing (since 1999)
• ADUN for Endau (1995-1999)
• Deputy Minister of Human Resources (Dec 1999 – Mar 2004)
• Deputy Minister of Health (Mar 2004 – Apr 2009)
• Deputy Minister of Defence (Apri 2009 – May 2013)
• Chairman of Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad, SPNB (Jun 2013 – Jan 2019)

Past corruption cases: None reported. It’s worth noting that during the UMNO exodus in Dec 2018 where Abd Latiff quit the party, there was talk that the leaving UMNO members were paid to do so. While the MACC had challenged those who said that to lodge a report with them and back it up with evidence, we’ve heard no further talks on the issue.

Academic background: A blog that compiles the profiles of famous people mentioned that Abd Latiff has a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) from University Malaya, so he’s like a forreals doctor.

 

13. Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin bin Tun Hussein, Foreign Affairs Minister

Political party: UMNO

Past posts:

• MP for Sembrong (since 2004)
• Minister of Youth and Sports (1999-2004)
• Minister of Education (Mar 2004 – Apr 2009)
• Minister of Home Affairs (Apr 2009 – May 2013)
• Acting Minister of Transport (May 2013 – Jun 2014)
• Minister of Defence (May 2013 – May 2018)

Past corruption cases: None charged. In June last year, Hishammuddin was called by the MACC to assist them in investigations regarding 16 deals involving land belonging to the Ministry of Defence, infamously known as the land swap deals. However, there had been no reports of the case progressing after that.

Academic background: Hishamuddin has a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Wales, as well as a Master of Laws in Commercial and Corporate Law from the London School of Economics.

 

14. Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry

Political party: PBB

Past posts:

• MP for Kapit (since 1999)
• Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development (May 2013 – May 2018)
• Secretary-general of PBB

Past corruption cases: None reported.

Academic background: Alexander holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Studies from Schiller International University, London, as well as a Higher National Diploma in Business from Britain, both in 1983.

Trivia: Alexander is the grandson of a famous Iban chief, Temenggong Jugah anak Barieng, aka Tun Jugah. Tun Jugah’s son (and Alexander’s father), Leonard Linggi Jugah, was a BN/PBB politician.

 

15. Dato’ Seri Saifuddin bin Abdullah, Communications and Multimedia Minister

Political party: BERSATU (previously UMNO, then PKR)

Past posts:

• MP for Temerloh (Mar 2008 – May 2013)
• MP for Indera Mahkota (since May 2018)
• Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur and Co-operatives Development (Mar 2008 – Apr 2009)
• Deputy Minister of Higher Education II (Apr 2009 – May 2013)
• Minister of Foreign Affairs (Jul 2018 – Feb 2020)

Past corruption cases: None reported. Apparently the first MP to agree to Transparency International-Malaysia’s election pledge before GE13, ready to declare his assets if needed.

Academic background: Saifuddin holds a Degree in Arts from University Malaya, as well as a Certificate in Management from Harvard University, US.

 

16. Hajah Zuraida Kamaruddin, Housing and Local Government Minister

Political party: BERSATU (formerly PKR)

Past posts:

• MP for Ampang (since Mar 2008)
• Minister of Housing and Local Government (May 2018 – Feb 2020)

Past corruption cases: None reported. There seems to be several reports lodged (or planned to be lodged) against Zuraida for abusing her power as an MP since 2017, and apparently until recently. While she had expressed her willingness to be probed by the MACC, we have yet to find reports of a solid case.

Academic background: When Mahathir’s Cabinet was formed in 2018, an infographic by Bernama reportedly listed her academic credentials as having a degree in science (some say social science) from the National University of Singapore (NUS). However, after netizens pointed out that her name was not in NUS’s database, Zuraida had said that she never claimed to be a NUS graduate. We never learned what her real academic credentials are.

Trivia: What do Zuraida, Yeo Bee Yin, Maria Chin and Teresa Kok have in common? They’ve all sued Jamal Yunos for defamation/slander. In Zuraida’s case, it was alleged that Zuraida and her supporters punched Jamal Yunos in 2016. Jamal has since apologized.

 

17. Khairy Jamaluddin, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister

Political party: UMNO

Past posts:

• MP for Rembau (since 2008)
• UMNO Youth Chief (Mar 2009 – Jun 2018)
• Minister of Youth and Sports (May 2013 – May 2018)

Past corruption cases: No reports found. His ministry did receive a probing from the MACC when he was Youth and Sports Minister in 2016, but it appears no charges against Khairy came from that. He had also shown no qualms should his successor (Syed Saddiq) calls in the MACC to investigate alleged leakages in the construction of the Mokhtar Dahari Football Academy.

Academic background: Khairy has a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) from Oxford University, and a master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory from the University College London.

Trivia: Khairy trivia? We’ve got six of ’em in another article!

18. Dato’ Sri Dr Hj Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry

Political party: PBB

Past posts:

• MP for Batang Lupar (1990-2004)
• MP for Santubong (since 2004)
• Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (May 2013 – Jul 2015)
• Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (Jul 2015 – May 2018)

Past corruption cases: None reported. His involvement with the MACC seem to focus on questioning Latheefa Koya’s appointment and working with the MACC to prevent the abuse of Approved Permits (AP) for mining operators back in 2017.

Academic background: There was a bit of a controversy regarding Wan Junaidi’s academic background in 2008, where it was alleged that his PhD in Business Administration was from a degree mill in the US called the American Northeastate University. However, Wan Junaidi had later clarified that his doctorate was from the Southern California University for Professional Studies, obtained in 2005.

Trivia: Apparently, Wan Junaidi used to fight communists in the early 1970s as a police officer then, which may explain his resistance to Chin Peng’s ashes being brought back to Malaysia.

 

19. Dato’ Dr Mohd Khairuddin Bin Aman Razali, Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister

Political party: PAS

Past posts: MP for Kuala Nerus (since 2013)

Past corruption cases: None reported. He did raise a few eyebrows for buying an Audi Q7 for his wife as a gift back in 2017, but he had defended his purchase, saying that he has every right to do so. He had further stated that he has “…a right to buy anything I want. I could even buy a lorry or a plane, it is none of their business,” Okay then.

Academic background: A blog dedicated to him mentioned that he has a Bachelor of Arts and Masters for Arabic Language and Linguistics from the University of Jordan and the Aal Bayt University in Jordan, respectively, plus a PhD in Islamic Studies from UKM.

Trivia: Another rare politician without a Wikipedia entry. Uhhh… his profile mentioned that he’s the eldest child out of 16.

 

20. Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Binti Shukri, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister

Political party: PBB

Past posts:

• MP for Batang Sadong (since 2008)
• Acting Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities (May 2016 – June 2016)
• Minister in Prime Minister’s Department (May 2013 – May 2018)

Past corruption cases: None reported. She reportedly has no problems with Mahathir’s directive to declare assets to the MACC, as she claimed that it was done during the late Adenan Satem’s time.

Academic background: Nancy holds a law degree from Hull University and an executive Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Ohio University.

 

21. Datuk Halimah Binti Mohamed Sadique, National Unity Minister

Political party: UMNO

Past posts:

• ADUN for Gunung Lambak (1995-2004)
• ADUN for Pasir Raja (2004-2008)
• MP for Tenggara (2008-2018)
• MP for Kota Tinggi (since May 2018)
• Deputy Minister of Urban Wellbeing, Housing, and Local Government (May 2013 – May 2018)

Past corruption cases: None reported. Not much to say, really. She was present among other BN MPs in court to give their support when a party member got charged by the MACC in 2009, and… that’s about it.

Academic background: Halimah got her Masters in Public Administration from UUM in 2013.

 

22. Dato’ Sri Reezal Merican bin Naina Merican, Youth and Sports Minister

Political party: UMNO

Past posts:

• MP for Kepala Batas (since 2013)
• Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (Jul 2015 – May 2018)
• Penang UMNO State Chairman

Past corruption cases: None reported. Not much to say about Reezal here, either. He was reported to say that the freezing of UMNO accounts by the MACC in 2018 did not affect Penang UMNO’s operations, and he showed up in court during Rosmah’s trial to show his support. But nothing regarding himself.

Academic background: Reezal got his Bachelor’s degree in Arabic literature from the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM).

Trivia: Reezal had recently rebutted a Guardian article that characterizes Malaysia’s recent political crisis as a royal coup.

 

Whew! That’s a lot of Ministers!

Well, counting the Prime Minister himself, that’s a total of 32 ministers in all. If you add the 38 deputy ministers we didn’t cover, that’s 70 people in the new Cabinet, or slightly less than a third of the Dewan Rakyat. That’s a different approach than the one taken by Mahathir, who did not want a huge Cabinet.

As of the time of writing, we still don’t know the reasoning behind who’s being appointed and why so many of them are appointed in the first place. However, criticism on the new Cabinet is already pouring in, less than 24 hours after its announcement. Is the right people being appointed to the right portfolios? Is the large number necessary for the nation, or for the people in power? Will this new arrangement bring about improvements?

These are more or less the issues raised in their criticism. But whether or not these issues will be resolved in the near future will remain to be seen.