Subang MP Wong Chen has come to PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli's defence, after the latter came under heavy criticism from netizens for saying that Dr Mahathir Mohamad did not consult PKR on the appointment of ministers.

Wong said Rafizi merely did not want to see Mahathir's government start off on the wrong foot, and as such, dared to tegur (speak out against) the prime minister.

"And for this he is vilified by most of you. It is precisely this unhealthy attitude of Malaysians never to question authority, that is the main reason why we allowed Rosmah and Najib to rule us for 9 years," Wong said in a Facebook posting today

Mahathir had earlier announced DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng as finance minister, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin as home minister, and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu as defence minister.

According to the Federal Constitution, the appointment of cabinet ministers is made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the prime minister.

Rafizi (photo), however, claimed that the prime minister bulldozed the announcement without consulting PKR.

Wong explained that PKR was the largest party in the new government, with 47 MPs and one independent MP aligned with them.

Thus, he said that when no portfolio was announced for PKR, Rafizi spoke out.

"Nothing yet for PKR, the single largest party in Pakatan? So what did Rafizi do that is so wrong in the eyes of the public?

"He is telling truth to power that these appointments were made without PKR consent. Then he tells us that Dr Mahathir will see Anwar in hospital to consult Anwar and hopefully they can discuss and rectify the issue," he said.

Malaysiakini understands that Mahathir met Anwar at the Cheras rehabilitation hospital where the latter is being held, and had left close to 7pm without meeting the media.

At a press conference earlier today, the prime minister said that all four Harapan parties had been asked to submit three names each, for the remaining seven ministerial portfolios which have yet to be taken up.

The seven portfolios are for the Education Ministry, Rural Development Ministry, Economy Ministry, Works Ministry, Transport Ministry, Multimedia, Science and Tech Ministry, and Foreign Ministry.