Cabinet of Malaysia
The Cabinet of Malaysia is the executive branch of the Government of Malaysia. Led by the Prime Minister, the cabinet is a council of ministers who are accountable collectively to the Parliament. According to the Article 43 of the Constitution, members of the Cabinet can only be selected from members of either houses of Parliament. Formally, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong appoints all Ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister.[1] The constitution is amended by repealing the Clause (8) of Article 43, enabling a person who is a member of State Legislative Assembly to continue to be one even when he or she is appointed as a minister or deputy minister in the cabinet. Ministers other than the Prime Minister shall hold office during the pleasure of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, unless the appointment of any Minister shall have been revoked by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the Prime Minister but any Minister may resign his office. In practice, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is obliged to follow the advice of the Prime Minister on the appointment and dismissal of ministers.
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Cabinet appointments
Members of the Cabinet must be members of either house of Parliament. Most ministers are appointed from the lower house, the Dewan Rakyat, although a few are appointed from the upper house, the Dewan Negara. The Prime Minister must be a member of the Dewan Rakyat. Although Deputy Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries may be appointed to each portfolio, they are not included in the Cabinet. The Cabinet meets weekly, every Wednesday.[2] After the position of Parliamentary Secretary was removed and partial live telecasts of Parliament proceedings began in 2008, Cabinet meetings were moved to Fridays whenever Parliament sat, so as to allow Ministers to personally answer questions during Question Time in Parliament.[3]
Cabinet composition
The composition of the Cabinet, and the number of portfolios depends mainly on the wishes of the Prime Minister at the time. However, the post of Finance Minister was considered so important as to be a necessity, and as a result was incorporated by the Minister of Finance (Incorporation) Act 1957 (Act 375).[4] The position of Deputy Prime Minister is one that exists by convention, and as a result a Prime Minister could theoretically form a Cabinet without a Deputy.[5]
Deputy ministers exist for each portfolio, although they are not considered members of the Cabinet. The position of Deputy Minister was created by constitutional amendment in 1960. The office of parliamentary secretary for each ministry exists but none were appointed after the 2008 Malaysian general election. Parliamentary secretaries were provided for by an amendment in 1963. Deputy ministers and parliamentary secretaries are also appointed from members of Parliament, and deputise for the ministers in government ministries and in Parliament respectively. An additional office, that of the Political Secretary, exists. Political Secretaries need not be members of Parliament. Before taking office, all members of the Cabinet, Deputy Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, and Political Secretaries take an oath of secrecy concerning the proceedings of the Cabinet. (See also Official Secrets Act (Malaysia).)[5]
Functions of cabinet
An outline of the functions of the Cabinet are as follow:[6]
- To formulate national economic policies and development programs.
- The Cabinet is responsible to formulate various development programs and projects for the development of the country. Examples are the New Economic Policy (NEP), the National Development Policy (NDP), and the National Vision Policy (NVP).
- To set the budget and finance of the country.
- The government is allowed to generate revenues from the people through the collection of taxes, fines, summons, custom duties, fees, etc.
- The government is allowed to plan for the various development programs, and also to allocate the resources for these development plans and programs.
- As an arena for suggestions, debates, and criticisms.
- The Cabinet is allowed to discuss almost any issues of national interests, except those that touch on the special rights of the Malays, Bumiputeras and/or royal privileges. Article 153 (1): It shall be the responsibility of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to safeguard the special position of the Malays and Natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak, and the legitimate interests of other communities in accordance with the provisions of this Article.
- To propose and amend the law.
- Law is proposed by the Executive and introduce in Parliament with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd readings for approval.
- Most provisions for the amendments of the constitution requires a 2/3 majority of the total number of members from both the Houses or Dewans.
- The bill must be presented to the YDPA for the final assent.
List of cabinets
21 cabinets have taken place in Malaysia since 1957 headed by seven Prime Ministers.
| Name of Cabinet | Head of Cabinet | Period of Office | Composition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rahman I | Tunku Abdul Rahman | 31 August 1957 – 19 August 1959 | 13 ministers |
| Rahman II | 22 August 1959 – 24 April 1964 |
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| Rahman III | 25 April 1964 – 1969 |
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| Rahman IV | 1969 – 21 December 1970 | 9 ministers | |
| Razak I | Abdul Razak Hussein | 22 December 1970 – 24 August 1974 |
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| Razak II | 25 August 1974 – 14 January 1976 |
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| Hussein I | Hussein Onn | 15 January 1976 – 8 July 1978 |
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| Hussein II | 9 July 1978 – 15 July 1981 |
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| Mahathir I | Mahathir Mohamad | 16 July 1981 – 21 April 1982 |
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| Mahathir II | 22 April 1982 – 2 August 1986 |
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| Mahathir III | 11 August 1986 – 26 October 1990 |
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| Mahathir IV | 22 October 1990 – 3 May 1995 |
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| Mahathir V | 4 May 1995 – 14 December 1999 |
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| Mahathir VI | 15 December 1999 – 2 November 2003 |
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| Abdullah I | Abdullah Ahmad Badawi | 3 November 2003 – 26 March 2004 |
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| Abdullah II | 27 March 2004 – 18 March 2008 |
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| Abdullah III | 19 March 2008 – 9 April 2009 |
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| Najib I | Najib Razak | 10 April 2009 – 15 May 2013 |
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| Najib II | 16 May 2013 – 9 May 2018 |
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| Mahathir VII | Mahathir Mohamad | 10 May 2018 – 29 February 2020 |
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| Muhyiddin | Muhyiddin Yassin | 1 March 2020 – incumbent |
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Current cabinet
Ministers
As of 1 March 2020, the Cabinet comprises:[7]
PPBM (11)
BN (11)
GPS (4)
PAS (3)
Independent (2)
PBS (1)
Deputy Ministers
As of 6 July 2020, the Deputy Ministers are:[7]
PPBM (16)
BN (13)
PAS (5)
GPS (4)
STAR (1)
| Portfolio | Office Bearer | Party | Constituency | Took Office | Left Office | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department | Arthur Joseph Kurup MP (Economy) |
BN (PBRS) | Pensiangan | 10 March 2020 | Incumbent | |
| Datin Mastura Tan Sri Mohd. Yazid MP (Special Functions) |
BN (UMNO) | Kuala Kangsar | ||||
| Dato' Eddin Syazlee Shith MP (Parliament and Law) | PPBM | Kuala Pilah | 6 July 2020 | |||
| Datuk Shabudin Yahaya MP (Parliament and Law) |
Tasek Gelugor | 6 July 2020 | Incumbent | |||
| Ustaz Haji Ahmad Marzuk Shaary MP (Religious Affairs) |
PAS | Pengkalan Chepa | 10 March 2020 | |||
| Dato' Hajjah Hanifah Hajar Taib MP (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) |
GPS (PBB) | Mukah | ||||
| Deputy Minister of Finance | Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri MP | PPBM | Kudat | |||
| Mohd. Shahar Abdullah MP | BN (UMNO) | Paya Besar | ||||
| Deputy Minister of Defence | Dato' Sri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz MP | PPBM | Tanah Merah | |||
| Deputy Minister of Home Affairs | Jonathan Yasin MP | Ranau | ||||
| Dato' Sri Dr. Haji Ismail Haji Mohamed Said MP | BN (UMNO) | Kuala Krau | ||||
| Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry | Datuk Lim Ban Hong | BN (MCA) | Senator | |||
| Deputy Minister of Education | Muslimin Yahaya MP | PPBM | Sungai Besar | |||
| Dato' Dr. Mah Hang Soon | BN (MCA) | Senator | ||||
| Deputy Minister of Environment and Water | Dato' Dr. Ahmad Masrizal Muhammad | BN (UMNO) | ||||
| Deputy Minister of Federal Territories | Dato' Sri Dr. Edmund Santhara Kumar Ramanaidu MP | PPBM | Segamat | |||
| Deputy Minister of Transport | Tuan Haji Hasbi Haji Habibollah MP | GPS (PBB) | Limbang | |||
| Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Industries | Datuk Seri Haji Ahmad Hamzah MP | BN (UMNO) | Jasin | |||
| Dato' Haji Che Abdullah Mat Nawi MP | PAS | Tumpat | ||||
| Deputy Minister of Health | Dato' Dr. Haji Noor Azmi Ghazali MP | PPBM | Bagan Serai | |||
| Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang MP | GPS (PRS) | Kanowit | ||||
| Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Art | Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Gapari Kitingan MP | STAR | Keningau | |||
| Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government | Dato' Sri Dr. Haji Ismail Haji Abd. Muttalib MP | BN (UMNO) | Maran | |||
| Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs | Dato' Haji Kamarudin Jaffar MP | PPBM | Bandar Tun Razak | |||
| Deputy Minister of Higher Education | Dato' Dr. Mansor Othman MP | Nibong Tebal | ||||
| Deputy Minister of Human Resources | Tuan Haji Awang Solahuddin Hashim MP | PAS | Pendang | |||
| Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs | Dato' Haji Rosol Wahid MP | PPBM | Hulu Terengganu | |||
| Deputy Minister of Entrepreneurship Development and Cooperatives | Datuk Wira Hajjah Mas Ermieyati Haji Samsudin MP | Masjid Tanah | ||||
| Deputy Minister of Rural Development | Dato' Sri Abdul Rahman Mohamad MP | BN (UMNO) | Lipis | |||
| Dato Henry Sum Agong MP | GPS (PBB) | Lawas | ||||
| Deputy Minister of Works | Datuk Dr. Shahruddin Md. Salleh MP | PPBM | Sri Gading | 4 June 2020[8] | ||
| Dato' Eddin Syazlee Shith MP | PPBM | Kuala Pilah | 6 July 2020 | Incumbent | ||
| Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation | Tuan Haji Ahmad Amzad Hashim MP | PAS | Kuala Terengganu | 10 March 2020 | ||
| Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources | Ali Anak Biju MP | PPBM | Saratok | |||
| Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities | Willie Anak Mongin MP | Puncak Borneo | ||||
| Dato' Sri Dr. Wee Jeck Seng MP | BN (MCA) | Tanjung Piai | ||||
| Deputy Minister of Women and Family | Dato' Hajjah Siti Zailah Mohd. Yusoff MP | PAS | Rantau Panjang | |||
| Deputy Minister of National Unity | Dato' Sri Ti Lian Ker | BN (MCA) | Senator | 5 May 2020[9][10] | ||
| Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports | Wan Ahmad Fayhsal | PPBM | 10 March 2020 | |||
| Deputy Minister of Communication and Multimedia | Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin MP | BN (UMNO) | Padang Besar | |||
Inactive portfolio
Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives
- Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
- Ministry of Agriculture and Lands
- Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Ministry of Communications and Multimedia
- Ministry of Communications
- Ministry of Communications, Telecommunications and Posts
- Ministry of Information
- Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
- Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture
- Ministry of Information, Communications, Arts and Culture
Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs
- Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism
- Ministry of Entrepreneur and Co-operatives Development
- Ministry of Entrepreneur Development
- Ministry of Lands Development
- Ministry of Lands and Regional Development
Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change
- Ministry of Energy, Communications and Multimedia
- Ministry of Energy, Technology and Research
- Ministry of Energy, Telecommunications and Posts
- Ministry of Energy, Water and Communications
Ministry of Territories
- Ministry of Federal Territories
- Ministry of Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Ministry of External Affairs
Ministry of Home Affairs
- Ministry of Home Affairs and Justice
- Ministry of Justice
- Ministry of the Interior
Ministry of Human Resources
- Ministry of Labour
- Ministry of Labour and Manpower
- Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare
Ministry of Internal Security
Ministry of International Trade and Industry
- Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- Ministry of Trade and Industry
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
- Ministry of Lands and Co-operatives Development
- Ministry of Lands and Mines
- Ministry of Natural Resources
Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities
- Ministry of Primary Industries
Ministry of Rural and Regional Development
- Ministry of National and Rural Development
- Ministry of Rural Development
- Ministry of Rural Economy Development
Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation
- Ministry of Local Government and Housing
- Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment
- Ministry of Technology, Research and Local Government
Ministry of Tourism and Culture
- Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage
- Ministry of Culture and Tourism
- Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism
- Ministry of National Unity and Community Development
- Ministry of National Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage
- Ministry of Tourism
Ministry of Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government
- Ministry of Housing and Local Government
- Ministry of Housing and New Villages
- Ministry of Housing and Villages Development
- Ministry of Local Government and Environment
- Ministry of Local Government and Federal Territories
- Ministry of Local Government, Housing and Town Planning
- Ministry of Technology, Research and Coordination of New Villages
Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development
- Ministry of General Welfare
- Ministry of National Unity
- Ministry of Social Welfare
- Ministry of Welfare Services
- Ministry of Women and Family Development
Ministry of Works
- Ministry of Works and Energy
- Ministry of Works and Public Amenities
- Ministry of Works and Transport
- Ministry of Works, Posts and Telecommunications
Ministry of Youth and Sports
- Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports
- Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports
Ministry of Health
- Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department
- Minister with Special Functions
- Minister with Special Functions for Foreign Affairs
- Minister without Portfolio
Others
- Chief Minister of Malaya
- Ministry of Coordination of Public Corporations
- Ministry of General Planning and Sosio-Economic Research
- Ministry of Law
- Ministry of Public Enterprises
- Ministry of Sabah Affairs
- Ministry of Sarawak Affairs
Notes
References
- Hj. Mohd Jali, Nazaruddin, Redzuan, Ma'arof, Abu Samah, Asnarulkhadi & Hj. Mohd Rashid, Ismail (2003). Malaysian Studies: Nationhood and Citizenship, p. 73. Pearson Malaysia. ISBN 983-2473-91-8.
- Funston, John (2001). "Malaysia: Developmental State Challenged". In John Funston (Ed.), Government and Politics in Southeast Asia, pp. 173–175. Singapore: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies.
- "Cabinet now to meet Fridays for ministers to attend parliament". The Malaysian Insider. 9 April 2008. Archived from the original on 13 April 2008. Retrieved 9 April 2008.
- Wu, Min Aun & Hickling, R. H. (2003). Hickling's Malaysian Public Law, pp. 84–85. Petaling Jaya: Pearson Malaysia. ISBN 983-74-2518-0.
- Wu & Hickling, p. 86.
- Jeong Chun Hai @ Ibrahim, & Nor Fadzlina Nawi. (2012). Principles of Public Administration: Malaysian Perspectives. Kuala Lumpur: Pearson Publishers. ISBN 978-967-349-233-6
- "Senarai penuh Kabinet". BH Online (in Malay). 9 March 2020. Retrieved 9 March 2020.
- Patho Rohman, Mohd Anwar (4 June 2020). "Shahruddin letak jawatan Timbalan Menteri Kerja Raya". BH Online (in Malay). Retrieved 4 June 2020.
- The post of Deputy Minister of National Unity was supposed to be filled by Bintulu MP, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (GPS-PDP) He then declined as "it was not befitting of his stature as a party chief and a five-term MP".
- "Govt accepts Tiong's decision to decline deputy minister's post | The Star Online". www.thestar.com.my. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
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