The government does not propose to change the long-standing practice of appointing the prime minister and the deputy prime minister from the Malay community because it has been well received by Malaysians, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

"My view (about the appointments) is a reflection of what I have done in practising what my party has been doing all along - a practice which has also not been opposed by the majority of Malaysians, who have supported it," he said.

According to Bernama , the prime minister stressed this while answering a question about the issue from Dr Tan Seng Giaw (DAP-Kepong) in the Dewan Rakyat today.

In his question, Tan wanted to know whether there was any chance that a non-bumiputera being appointed as a prime minister or deputy prime minister since the country has a multi-racial population.

Abdullah, in answering another question from Fong Kui Lun (DAP-Bukit Bintang), also said the leadership selection practice has been well received by all parties in the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition.

"In fact, the BN's practices, in its appointment of its leadership, and the manner it distributes seats, not only in the election but also (posts) in the Cabinet and the state legislative assembly, have been favourably accepted by the people and support has never been reduced, through the majority (of votes) given so far," he said.

Selection

Abdullah said that the appointment of the prime minister is the prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the basis that the individual has the confidence of the rakyat to lead the multiracial country through a party which holds the majority in the Dewan Rakyat

He added that the individual must also be a member of the Dewan Rakyat.

"We cannot question the prerogative (power) of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (about) who is selected by him," said the prime minister.

Abdullah also added that the selection of the deputy prime minister was within the realm of the prime minister's powers, who weighs how well an individual will assist him, and whether he has the confidence of the majority.

In answering a question from Jacob Dungau Sagan (BN-Baram) about moves by the government to involve bumiputeras from minority groups such as the Orang Asli and Orang Ulu in the administration of the nation, Abdullah said that the government will continue to work at enhancing the contribution of various races.

"The government's moves are to ensure that their contribution to the development of the nation expands from time to time," said the prime minister.