KUALA LUMPUR: Parliamentary Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described the new cabinet as "recycled" from the previous administration, unable to cater to the people's needs.
The Port Dickson Member of Parliament alleged that a majority of the people were disappointed with the new cabinet ministers as they had "failed to fulfil" their previous duties.
He also said the new cabinet could not inject a new spirit and confidence among domestic and foreign investors.
"The country is facing a dire Covid-19 crisis and the economic problems are putting pressure on the people especially those in the (bottom 40) group but the step taken was to recycle ministers who do not show the ability to deal with these issues effectively.
"The thing that is most craved for right now is changes, but this is not happening.
"Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob) has 100 days for his ministers to prove their performance but for the past one and a half years, there has been no commendable progress," said the Pakatan Harapan Chairman in a video statement posted on his Facebook page today.
Anwar, who is PKR president, said the opposition would continue to monitor and protest if the new cabinet could not implement a more robust and effective programme to address the Covid-19 issues and bring changes to the people's lives.
Parti Amanah Negara deputy president Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub claimed that instead of putting all of their energy into helping the people, the new Ismail Sabri cabinet was formed to ensure his allies' political survival.
"It's like an old song getting a new rhythm. White people say 'old wine in a fresh bottle'. A change without an ending," he said.
"When you look at it, this new cabinet is just a reshuffle from the last one. There are some swapping of portfolios, some were maintained at the same ministries while those who had recently resigned were reappointed to handle the same portfolio," he said.