KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today reiterated that there was no need for a deputy prime minister.
He said the position of four senior ministers collectively represented the role a deputy prime minister.
"I have previously explained my views on the matter to the Perikatan Nasional (PN) representatives in a meeting.
"As the prime minister, I want to focus on the nation's economic recovery and people-related issues such as the rising cost of living and others concerns.
"These are far more important issues than any others. The main focus is to lighten the people's burden. The people need this more," he told reporters at the 18th Malaysia International Halal Showcase at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre today.
The four Senior Ministers in Ismail Sabri's cabinet are Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Datuk Dr Radzi Md Jidin and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Earlier, Pas secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan admitted that he had drafted a memorandum of agreement (MoA) related to the post of the deputy prime minister.
It was reported that PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had noted on the existence of the agreement.
This was followed by the statement by Datuk Dr Marzuki Mohamad, the former principal private secretary to Muhyiddin, who confirmed that he had witnessed the agreement purportedly made with Ismail Sabri to appoint a deputy prime minister.