KUALA LUMPUR: Perikatan Nasional (PN) unveiled its shadow cabinet today.
Coalition chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who announced the shadow cabinet, is the 'head' or prime minister of this structure.
Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang was named as deputy prime minister.
PN's shadow cabinet also saw Putrajaya MP Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin given the Finance Minister portfolio, Tanah Merah MP Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz as Defence Minister, Kota Baru MP Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan as Home Minister, and Indera Mahkota MP Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah being assigned to the education and higher education portfolio.
The 'shadow' Transport Minister portfolio is under Jerantut MP Khairil Nizam Khirudin, Agriculture and Food Security Minister's role is under Beluran MP Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee, and the shadow Health Ministry portfolio is held by Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi.
The 'shadow' International Trade and Industry Minister is Guar Chempedak MP Datuk Dr Ku Abdul Rahman Ku Ismail, while the Law and Institutional Reform Minister role is given to Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin.
Meanwhile, the Rdural and Regional Development Minister portfolio is held by Arau MP Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, and Plantation and Commodities Minister by Padang Serai MP Datuk Azman Nasrudin,
When speaking to reporters after a meeting with the coalition's component party leaders at Hotel Tamu and Suites here today, Muhyiddin said the coalitions 74 MPs possess many outstanding expertise, skills and experience which could be put to good use.
"We want to be an effective and responsible opposition in the country.
"What is the DNA of Perikatan Nasional (PN)? One may ask this since the coalition is relatively new.
"We are made up of knowledgeable MPs who carry with them years of experience in fields of agriculture, economy, environment and education. We want to put this to good use."
Muhyiddin said PN would issue policy statements on both local and international matters, and these will be on things like the economy, defence and security. These issues will also be presented in Parliament so that people will understand them better.
"PN has also established an expert research team to help our MPs increase their knowledge and expertise in their respective fields," he added.
Muhyiddin said this shadow cabinet is to ensure that PN is an effective opposition bloc.
He said PN had reached a consensus by continuously offering its push for the Shared Prosperity Policy, which the previous federal government had presented under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
"These are being done regardless of race or ethnicity, economic status or social class."