Mixed reactions on Twitter to Najib's new cabinet

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's cabinet for the next five years received mixed reactions on Twitter , with some protesting P Waythamoorthy's appointment as a deputy minister, while quite a number are unhappy with the low number of women representatives.

Some noted that Najib's cabinet line-up, with a large number of ministers from Umno, was to boost his position as prime minister and Umno president ahead of the party elections due later this year.

Leading the strong chorus of opposition against the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leader P Waythamoorthy is former minister in the Prime Minister's Department Zaid Ibrahim ( right ), who "hailed" the appointment.

"Waythamoorthy shows the way how change can take place; (from) a fugitive to a deputy (minister)," Zaid tweeted.

Perak DAP leader Nga Kor Ming in his tweet questioned Waythamoorthy's appointment as a possible bailout or buyout of the leader.

The tweet could have referred to Waythamoorthy's throw of support to the BN last month after signing a memorandum of understanding with the ruling coalition and calling on Indian voters to return to BN its two-thirds parlimentary majority.

Another tweet also described Waythamoorthy's move "as betrayal of the dandruff chief, and hailed him as the new mandore" (head coolie) in the Prime Minister's Department.

There were also those who referred to Waythamoorthy ( seated on right ) in their tweets as Najib's epitome of transformation.

"A transformer in all sense, spinning like gasing (top)," one tweeter said.

Not only that, many from the BN-affiliated party Kongres India Muslim Malaysia (Kimma) also took to Najib's Facebook to voice their displeasure and questioned Waythamoorthy's appointment.

"Why is a person who has created chaos and bad image overseas recognised? Is it through street demonstrations that Kimma can gain recognition?

"We remain in BN for all these years and will continue to be with the coalition but our efforts are not recognised. We seek proper recognition against those who had caused chaos," Muhamad Johan posted in Najib's Facebook .

Boosting Najib's influence in Umno?

The appointment of 20 ministers and 16 others as deputy ministers from Umno was also scrutinised by Seri Setia assemblyperson Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who is also PKR communications director.

"Will this cabinet keep Najib in power in Umno?" Nik Nazmi asked, adding Umno-BN have the time to prove it "and let's see".

Umno elections are expected to be held close to the end of this year, and the appointment of many from from the party to positions in government, since the party won 88 parliamentary seats, is seen to boost Najib's chances to retain the Umno presidency despite BN's worst showing ever in a general election.

In the case of women's representation in the new cabinet, the Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) complained that this was not enough, with just seven women among the 61 positions as ministers and deputy ministers.

"Women's representation still dismal," WAO said.

Further, former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad's daughter Marina Mahathir ( right ) also gave Najib's cabinet the thumbs down.

"It's not creative nor original nor fresh nor talent-based and there are only two women (ministers). Not very young either. Totally unimpressive," Marina says in her tweet.

DAP's Nga in his tweet also questioned why there was no representative from the MCA and Gerakan in the cabinet, adding, "Maybe its time for both to leave BN."

MCA and Gerakan had opted to stay out of the cabinet after their dismal performance in the 13th general election.

More posts for Sabah, Sarawak hailed

Some of the people also hailed the increased number of representatives from Sabah and Sarawak - 12 in all from East Malaysia - in Najib's cabinet.

Kota Belud MP Abdul Rahman Dahlan, who is active on Twitter , thanked his well-wishers for congratulating him on his appointment to head the Urban Well-Being, Housing and Local Government Ministry and vouched to remain committed on Twitter .

"Minister or not, I'm part of Twitterjaya dulu, kini dan selamanya . To my friends and sparring partners in here, tqvm. Cheers," Rahman tweeted, adding that his appointment was a big responsibility.

"Big tasks ahead. But I'm proud to be part of Najib's transformation team. Thank you for all the warm wishes," he said.