MALAYSIAN POLITICS - NEW CABINET LINE-UP

It is not surprising that Pak Lah did not use the Post Cabinet Meeting Press Conference yesterday as the occasion to announce his new Cabinet line-up, as such a decision takes some time to derive. Furthermore, some of the longer standing "deadwood" on the cabinet may need a little persuasion to "retire." There are many who would like to see Samy Vellu make way for younger blood, for example, even if Samy himself thinks he's indispensable.

The question on everyone's mind is who will be the new Deputy PM, the new Home Minister and the new Finance Minister. Pak Lah has already stated (in today's The Star newspaper) that his era as PM will see him acting as Foreign Minister, as statesmanship and international relations are key in this post 9/11 era. Of course, he has the option of remaining as Home Minister and Finance Minister, putting strain on his foreign relations duties, even though he may be ably assisted by the current Foreign Minister.

It would therefore make some sense for the current Foreign Minister to take on the (additional?) role as the new Deputy PM. As much sense as this would seem to make, there is at least one minister who would not be happy with this, as he appears to have greater seniority and hence would have greater claim to be the new Deputy. It may appease him to make him the new Foreign Minister, though.

Of one thing is certain: making too many changes may lead to discontinuity and the perception of uncertainty. Certainly, if Pak Lah takes too long to decide on a Deputy, speculation will run rife.

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