PM says Party Election Results Don't Determine Cabinet Appointments
Bernama – 15 Feb. 2006
PETALING JAYA - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the results of party elections would not determine his Cabinet line-up.

"I do not use party elections or other elections as a formula (for choosing Cabinet ministers).

"I stress experience as an important fact because Cabinet members need to begin working after the Ninth Malaysia Plan is passed by Parliament.

"They have to move fast, there is no time to learn," he told reporters after launching a commemorative coin with a songket motive here.

Tuesday afternoon, Abdullah announced a Cabinet reshuffle that included dropping Higher Education Minister Datuk Dr Shafie Mohd Salleh who lost in the contest for a seat in the Umno Supreme Council last year while Information Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir, who also lost in the party election, resigned.

However, Home Affairs Minister Datuk Azmi Khalid, who also failed to win a seat in the Umno Supreme Council, was retained but given the Natural Resources and Environment portfolio.

Abdullah said the Cabinet reshuffle was not made because of pressures from anyone or as preparation for the coming Sarawak elections.

Asked about the weekly Cabinet meeting Wednesday, he said it would be held as usual involving the ministers who were retained and those given new portfolios.

As for the newly appointed ministers, Abdullah said he would wait for a suitable date for the swearing-in ceremony at Istana Negara before they could carry out their new duties.

In the case of Datuk Effendi Norwawi, who was named Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, he would have to be sworn in as a senator before he could start work.

Source: BERNAMA | www.bernama.com