New Deputy Prime Minister in Malaysia’s Cabinet Reshuffle

KUALA LUMPUR: Ismail Sabri Yaacob has been appointed as Deputy Prime Minister in a cabinet reshuffle announced by the Malaysia’s premier, Muhyiddin Yassin. Ismail will still keep the defence ministry portfolio.

In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said the appointments will increase the ability of the government in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The statement said: “This appointment will be able to assist the prime minister in managing the country’s administration and fulfil the people’s needs at a time when the country is facing a health and economic crisis.”

Ismail Sabri was previously one of the four senior ministers in Muhyiddin’s cabinet, which did not have a deputy prime minister post. He has played a prominent role in Malaysia’s response to COVID-19, tasked with communicating the various restrictions.

Meanwhile, Hishammuddin Hussein has been appointed as senior minister in charge of security, a post which was previously held by Ismail Sabri. Hishammuddin is also Minister of Foreign Affairs. He would assist Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin in implementing the National Recovery Plan.

The cabinet reshuffle is the first since Muhyiddin’s administration took power February last year. -shp/adj/aaa