Anwar asks if Malaysia’s new cabinet is truly ‘clean’ as rights groups slam its lack of diversity

The reformist icon, until recently tipped to be the next premier, has questioned whether newly appointed lawmakers are free of corruption

Meanwhile, many have decried the nationalist and predominantly ethnic Malay slant to the line-up

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Anwar Ibrahim helms the now-opposition Pakatan Harapan coalition that was in government from May 2018 until late February. Photo: Reuters

Published: 8:00am, 11 Mar 2020Updated: 8:19am, 11 Mar 2020

Malaysia’s reformist icon Anwar Ibrahim, until recently tipped to be the nation’s next prime minister, has questioned if the country’s new cabinet is truly free of corruption – even as activists come forward to criticise its reduced representation of women and ethnic minorities.

Commenting on the 69-person line-up announced by new Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on Monday, Anwar asked how the ruling Perikatan Nasional coalition’s cabinet and deputy ministers had been deemed “clean” in the first place.

“I would also like to ask what aspects were taken into account by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commision to declare this cabinet ‘clean’,” asked Anwar, who helms the now-opposition Pakatan Harapan coalition that was in government from May 2018 until late February.

Last month’s shock resignation of former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, following an attempt at creating a back door government by Malaysia’s then opposition and splinter factions of several Pakatan Harapan constituent parties, led to a week of political uncertainty as various parties and factions claimed their chosen leader had a parliamentary majority.

The country’s king then stepped in and on February 29 appointed Muhyiddin premier, believing he was able to command the majority of Malaysia’s 222-person lower house – a requirement to become prime minister.