Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has added an extra deputy minister to his reshuffled government after protests from Sarawak party SPDP of being left out.

SPDP secretary-general Nogeh Gumbek, who is also Mas Gading MP, was today sworn in as a deputy minister.

He was sworn in without a portfolio and will only be informed of his role tomorrow, according to a Bernama report.

Najib on had July 28 announced a cabinet reshuffle where he sacked his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin and another minister Shafie Apdal for criticising the prime minister's handling of 1MDB.

The new administration comprises 37 ministers and 32 deputy ministers ( photo ).

Following this, SPDP Youth was quoted by Borneo Post as expressing dissatisfaction for not being included in the new government despite winning all four parliamentary seats in contested in the 13th general election.

However, with today's announcement incorporating a SPDP representative, the number of deputy ministers is now 38.

Nogeh took his oath of office together with Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Wilfred Madius Tangau who could not be sworn in on July 29 as he was overseas.

They took their oath of office before Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur.

The swearing-in took place at the Bilik Singgahsana Kecil (Minor Throne Room) of the palace at noon.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and several other cabinet ministers were present.

'Do my best'

Madius and Nogeh signed the instrument of oath and secrecy before Chief Justice Arifin Zakaria and chief secretary to the government Ali Hamsa.

Madius told Bernama after the event that he was thankful to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak for his confidence in him.

He pledged to give undivided support to Najib’s leadership and implement the government agenda.

Nogeh also thanked the prime minister for having appointed him as a deputy minister.

“I will do my best in any ministry that I am placed,” he said.