PETALING JAYA: The unity government's new cabinet line-up has been described as the most disappointing in the nation's history.
Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said by appointing kleptocrats into the Cabinet, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has mortgaged the principles of good governance which he promoted during the 15th general election (GE15) campaign.
"This is the most disappointing cabinet line-up in the country's history when a person who has been called to defend himself against 47 criminal charges of corruption, breach of trust and money laundering in court is appointed as Deputy Prime Minister.
Muhyiddin was referring to the appointment of Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as one of two deputy prime ministers in the unity government. The Bagan Datuk Member of Parliament has also been appointed rural and regional development minister.
Anwar's actions are akin to selling the country's honour simply because he wants to be Prime Minister said the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president.
"This kleptocrat cabinet formed on the basis of fraud against the mandate of the people does not have any legitimacy to function as the highest executive body of the country," said Muhyiddin in a statement posted on his Facebook account today.
The Pagoh Member of Parliament said Anwar's reform agenda now rings hollow when he could not even stand up in defence of his own party's struggle to fight against corruption and promote good governance.
"His value as a true leader worthy of respect and dignity is now highly questionable," he said.
Muhyiddin also criticised Anwar for taking on the finance ministry portfolio, adding that this will erode the people's as well as investors' trust in his leadership.
"Our nation's system is broken when morally and principally 'bankrupt' individuals, as well as those involved in corruption, may be appointed into the Cabinet," he said.
Muhyiddin also took Anwar to task for appointing Members of Parliament who are known for their extreme chauvinism to lead certain ministries that will invite controversy.
"It can be expected that extreme racist policies will be introduced," he alleged.