Muhyiddin Slams Govt Over Delay In Appointing New Minister

---

 


Former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin has taken aim at the administration of Anwar Ibrahim, saying that the government should not stall over the appointment of a domestic trade and cost of living minister.
"I want to ask, who is the minister of domestic trade and cost of living? Salahuddin Ayub died recently, but until now the position he held has not been filled.
"This is a crisis; if the prime minister does not want to assume that position, he should appoint qualified and suitable MPs," Muhyiddin said during a talk at Felda Chemomoi, near Bentong, last night.
The post became vacant after Salahuddin passed away in July.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Duties) Armizan Mohd Ali has been substituting for the role.
While there has been talk of a minor cabinet reshuffle, Anwar has remained non-committal on the issue.
Fama not the right agency
Muhyiddin also criticised the government's failure to deal with the rice shortage crisis and the rise in the price of goods.
He claimed that the shortage of rice, and eggs as well as the vacancy of the ministerial portfolio, proved the failure of the government.
It should be noted that during Muhyiddin's term as prime minister, the economy suffered a recession due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Now we read the news of (Agriculture and Food Security Minister) Mohamad Sabu who told the prime minister he was managing this (rice) supply through the Federal Agricultural Marketing Agency (Fama). And there is no statement by the prime minister to clarify that this is incorrect.
"If I was the prime minister, I would have already said it is wrong because this is not Fama's work. If Fama manages rice, which party will take over the task of marketing vegetables from local farmers?
"That was a stupid move," he said bluntly.
Muhyiddin also said that never in the history of the country has Fama been connected to the rice supply.
Even if it was temporary it is wrong, he said.
"Where is Fama working to supply rice? If you provide vegetables, coconut is there, but it is never included in the list of rice. Rice is a staple food.
"It has never been a problem because the delivery system has been around for a long time, not a year but 30-40 years.
"But now, Fama might not be able to supply vegetables because it is handling rice supply. This is a problem for farmers," the Pagoh MP added. - Mkini

---