KUALA LUMPUR: The new cabinet line-up announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today is set to be a result-driven administration as part of the country's efforts to fight the current health and economic crises.
In his speech today, Ismail Sabri said the cabinet line-up would be a management team that will be working with the people.
He said new cabinet members would need to act fast and in an integrated matter to free Malaysia from the threat of the pandemic, economic turmoil and political mess.
"It is common knowledge that I accepted this government as it is. The formation of this Cabinet is a re-formulation based on the current situation, to maintain stability and put the interests and safety of the Malaysian Family above all else.
"I acknowledge that we are in a dire situation as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the economic downturn, exacerbated by the country's political instability.
"Based on the World Health Organisation (WHO) predictions, we will live with Covid-19 as an endemic, which is permanent and will become part of our lives.
"The world is recording the emergence of a more aggressive Variant of Concern (VOC) and records show those who have been vaccinated can still be infected with Covid-19.
"Therefore, the government will strengthen the Malaysian National Health Agenda in educating Malaysian families to live with this virus. We need to continue to control all risks of Covid-19 and adopt new norms in our daily life," he said in his speech aired live on national television channels.
In line with the direction of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), Ismail Sabri said economic activities will be opened in phases so people could start working and earn a living in a safe condition.
According to the Prime Minister, the cabinet members were selected based on their experience, ability to help the country revive its economy by supporting entrepreneurs, facilitating businesses as well as reviving economic activities and increasing investor confidence.
"To meet the current challenges, this Cabinet needs to be result-oriented based on three principles, namely, be sensitive to current needs, responsible and trustworthy as well as restore the confidence of the people.
"I will make sure this Cabinet emphasises a high performance work culture.
"Therefore, each ministry needs to make short and long-term plans and achieve the set targets.
"For that, each ministry needs to prove its initial achievement within the first 100 days," he said.