Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad continues to be coy on the total number of ministers in his cabinet.

"Please wait, we will announce (whether it is) 26, 27, 28 or even 500," he responded to a question during a press conference in Putrajaya this afternoon.

Yesterday, Malaysiakini, quoting Pakatan Harapan sources, said the cabinet would comprise 28 ministers, including two representatives each from Sabah and Sarawak.

Thirteen ministers have already been sworn in.

Meanwhile, Mahathir said all aspects would be considered when asked if the cabinet would include Sabah and Sarawak lawmakers.

The prime minister said he aimed to finalise his cabinet by this week, but noted that the process could drag on until the next.

On whether there would be a religious affairs minister, he said that one of the yet-to-be-appointed ministers in the Prime Minister's Department may have such a portfolio.