Cabinet reshuffle strengthens government - Ismail Sabri

Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob was confident the Cabinet reshuffle announced today by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will strengthen the government.

The Rural and Regional Development Minister also conveyed his congratulations to the new ministers and deputy ministers appointed or transferred to new portfolios.

"I believe they will lead their ministries to excellence. The appointments were made based on the Prime Minister's conviction that they are eligible for the posts," he said.

Asked whether there were any surprises in the new Cabinet line-up, he said no quarters should engage in any speculation because a Cabinet reshuffle was the prerogative of the Prime Minister.

"Speculating will be the surprise. I believe the Prime Minister has given the matter much thought," he told reporters after the monthly assembly at the ministry, here.

A former minister is back in the Cabinet and a deputy minister was made a full minister in a Cabinet reshuffle announced by Najib today.

Najib also disclosed that Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah had stated his wish to end his tenure for personal reasons.