Dr M: No cabinet reshuffle as long as I’m in charge

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has confirmed that there would be no Cabinet reshuffle during his time as the Prime Minister.

In an interview with BFM’s the Breakfast Grille, Dr Mahathir said the current ministers were all new to the job.

When asked if he would consider replacing Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik, he replied with a resounding no.

“If I change a minister and take in a new minister… the candidates I have are all new. This present minister has got one year’s experience.

I think with a new minister, I will have a tough time getting him to adjust to a new type of job. He probably won’t deliver also,” he said during the interview on Tuesday (Sept 17) morning.

The Prime Minister added that getting a new minister did not mean that it would be better.

Dr Mahathir said when a new prime minister succeeded him, perhaps there might be a new Cabinet.

However, he said whenever there was a Cabinet reshuffle, more problems would be created and it did not solve any problems.

“That is why I’m not very keen on solving my problems by changing people,” he said.

During the interview, Dr Mahathir also said he would honour his promise to only be an interim Prime Minister.

“I promise I will be an interim Prime Minister, and I will do so. I will keep my promise. But I have to make sure I solve most of the major problems before a handover.

“A fixed period is difficult for me to work, ” he said.

The Star