Persatuan Hindraf Malaysia chief P Waythamoorthy was today sworn in as the minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of national unity and social well-being at the Istana Negara.

He was earlier sworn in as a senator, together with seven others, at the Dewan Negara.

Four other senators were also sworn in as deputy ministers at the palace this evening – DAP's Liew Chin Tong, Amanah's Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad, as well as Mohd Radzi Md Jidin and Marzuki Yahya from Bersatu.

Liew was appointed deputy defence minister. Raja Bahrin was appointed to the Housing and Local Government Ministry, Radzi to Economic Affairs and Marzuki to Foreign Affairs.

The new appointments bring the number of DAP members in cabinet to 13, Bersatu 12, and Amanah 11.

PKR's representation in government remains unchanged at 15.

All four deputy ministers had been defeated in the 14th general election.

Marzuki and Liew lost narrowly in their respective contests – the former to Umno's Shabudin Yahaya in Tasek Gelugor by just 81 votes, and the latter by 303 votes in Ayer Hitam against MCA deputy president Wee Ka Siong.

Both Raja Bahrin and Radzi came in last place in Kuala Terengganu and Ketereh respectively.