The new Pakatan Harapan government reflects racial and state integrity as well as recognition for women in the country.

Of the 26 ministers and 23 deputy ministers, five ministers were from the Chinese community, Indian (3), Kadazandusun (1), Lun Bawang (1) and the remainder (16) Malays. Among the deputy ministers, seven were Chinese and one Indian.

In addition, for the first time, the federal cabinet included five women ministers including Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and four deputy ministers.

Political analyst Prof Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmood said the participation of various communities and genders in the cabinet also mirrored the democratic practices in the country besides the coalition of political parties which won the 14th general election.

“The diverse racial mix and educational levels are important elements because they provide a strong foundation to the ministers and deputy ministers to perform their duties effectively,” he told Bernama when contacted today.

Meanwhile, the president of the National Council of Women’s Organisations (NCWO) Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hasan said the appointment of five women ministers and four deputy ministers in the cabinet would lift the prestige of women as government policymakers.

“These appointments were made not just to fill the quota, but they (ministers and deputy ministers) were chosen based on their qualifications and capabilities.

“The NCWO congratulates the ministers who were appointed and we are very grateful for the participation of women. We offer our thanks to the Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad for the trust given to women,” she said.

A total of 13 cabinet ministers and 23 deputy ministers took their oaths today in the presence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V at Istana Negara. On May 21, 13 other ministers were sworn in.

- Bernama