KUALA LUMPUR – DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has dismissed negative perceptions surrounding the appointment of former finance minister Lim Guan Eng’s sister, Lim Hui Ying, as the new deputy finance minister.
Stressing that no single person decides government policy, and that the cabinet will be responsible for major decisions, Loke disregarded allegations that Hui Ying, who is also DAP central executive committee member, might have a say over the implementation of any government policies.
“Government policies are not decided by any one particular minister, much less a deputy minister. Instead, such decisions are made by the cabinet, which is made up of representatives from all component parties in the unity government.
“That sort of perception (of Hui Ying having any influence on policy matters) is unfounded and completely untrue (as) no single person can dictate (the direction of) any policy,” Loke said during a press conference at the party’s headquarters, here, today.
Previously, Guan Eng had been accused by opposition parties and certain Malay groups of reducing allocations meant to uplift the Bumiputera and rural communities during his tenure as finance minister under the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government, claims which he has denied.
Hui Ying’s appointment to the Finance Ministry received mixed reactions on social media earlier today, following the announcement of the cabinet reshuffle, with some netizens questioning why the former deputy education minister, a first-time MP, was appointed to a powerful ministry.
Meanwhile, Loke said that criticism against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s slightly bigger cabinet is to be expected, as any government decision is sure to elicit mixed responses.
“The prime minister has already mentioned his considerations (in expanding the cabinet) and the current cabinet size is still within the range of past governments,” said Loke, who is also transport minister.
“Whatever decision we make, there will be people who agree, disagree, or criticise (the government). It’s to be expected (that) no single decision will satisfy everybody.”
The new line-up sees a total of 31 ministers, up from 28 previously, and 29 deputies, two more than previously.
In total, there are now 60 ministers and deputies, 10 less than the previous administration
Loke also expressed his confidence in the new cabinet line-up, saying: “I’m confident that with a renowned spirit (brought by) our team of young and dynamic leaders, we can move the nation forward.
“What matters is how well the government and the cabinet can fulfil and implement policies. Now, we must focus on our jobs to make sure that we deliver better economic growth (through) better utilisation of our resources and improve the people’s standard of living.” – December 12, 2023