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New Cabinet to hold first meeting today

Mar 11, 2020

The new Cabinet will hold its first official meeting today, to discuss the way forward for the country. 

New Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah says the meeting is to discuss a proper manifesto and a clear direction for the country's future. 

He also assured that even though the new ministers are mostly from one race, the Perikatan Nasional government will be inclusive, and will look after the interests of all Malaysians.

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New Finance Minister is not wasting any time

Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz was one of those who went straight to work after being sworn in yesterday. 

He says he has a challenging task ahead of him, but wants to ensure that he carries out his duties without political interference:

"I mean I leave political issues aside, the focus today for me is really to make sure that we are ready to navigate through the storm right. I am not a poltiician, I'm a technocrat, and I believe I'm brought here by the PM to focus on the challenges."

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba is another one who clocked in for work immediately after his swearing in. 

He's advising Malaysians to practice social distancing amid the Covid-19 outbreak, and to avoid crowded areas, if possible. 

It came as the country reported 12 new cases yesterday, bringing the total to 129 positive infections.

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Pakatan laying low

The Opposition is now consolidating, having lost power recently.

Pakatan Haparan president and former Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail told Bloomberg, they're taking a wait-and-see approach:

"We have to be ready for any eventuality; fresh elections or anything. We have to strengthen ourselves. We were the opposition before, it's no difference if we go back to being the opposition again."

Dr Wan Azizah also indicated that if the Opposition returns to power, it will be Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who'll be in charge.