KOTA BARU: Pas believes that the Prime Minister's promises to reduce the size of the cabinet and expenses when he took over the government last year, was just empty rhetoric.
Pas deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said this could be seen in his new cabinet line-up announced today.
"In the new line-up, there is an increase in ministers from 28 to 31, and deputy ministers from 27 to 29.
"For Pas, what is important is the effectiveness of the appointed cabinet.
"Some of the ministers who are clearly causing problems, such as the tourism minister, were retained even though he had received great criticism and hit with various controversies before," the Kubang Kerian MP told the New Straits Times.
Tuan Ibrahim said the existence of regional ministers, as well as the re-segregation of the energy and environment sectors prove how some duties of a ministry need to be seen and prioritised.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced several changes in the federal cabinet line-up.
He said the decision was made after discussing with leaders of parties in the unity government.
Anwar's restructured cabinet now comprises 31 ministers, supported by 29 deputy ministers.
This represents a slight expansion from his initial cabinet of 28 members, with assistance from 27 deputy ministers.