From:
Date: 11 Dec 1999
Time: 21:57:13
Papers praise "millennium" cabinet, opposition calls it antediluvian
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 (AFP) - Malaysia's pro-government newspapers Saturday praised the new cabinet as ready for the challenges of the new millennium while a senior opposition figure described it as "antediluvian". The New Straits Times, in an editorial headlined "An invigorating new team," said the cabinet announced Friday was "built to steer the country into the new millennium through a blend of experience, competence and youthful exuberance."
Business Times commented: "Prime Minister...Mahathir Mohamad didn't disappoint with his millennium cabinet line-up.
"He served up a few surprises but also showed that he is mindful of the need for continuity, especially with regards to economic policies."
Daim Zainuddin was reappointed finance minister in the line-up announced after November 29 elections.
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi remains deputy premier and home minister, Rafidah Aziz keeps her job as international trade and industry minister and Syed Hamid Albar stays at the foreign ministry.
The biggest surprise was the appointment to the powerful education ministry of Musa Mohamed, an academic and political newcomer. He will be made a member of the upper house senate so he can assume the post.
Business Times said the move might signal the start of a new tradition of making the job "the preserve of a professional and practitioner." Analysts said the move did not mean Musa was a potential successor to Mahathir, 73, who announced Friday he would not seek another term after this one.
Lim Kit Siang, chairman of the opposition Democratic Action Party, saw things differently.
He described the "antediluvian cabinet" as suitable for the old era "but not for the new millennium where Malaysians are clamouring for far-reaching political, economic and social reforms..."
Lim said in a statement that the retention of senior ministers accused in reports to police of graft did not indicate a new cabinet "with zero tolerance for corruption."
Some police reports were made by jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim. Ministers have denied the allegations.
Lim said Abdullah's claim to become Mahathir's successor had been strengthened not because of full endorsement from the premier or the party but because rivals had been weakened.
Former education minister Najib Tun Tazak was moved to the less powerful portfolio of defence while Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah was not offered any post.
"Abdullah's claim to be the prime minister-designate is still quite precarious..." Lim added.
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 (AFP) - Malaysia's pro-government newspapers Saturday praised the new cabinet as ready for the challenges of the new millennium while a senior opposition figure described it as "antediluvian". The New Straits Times, in an editorial headlined "An invigorating new team," said the cabinet announced Friday was "built to steer the country into the new millennium through a blend of experience, competence and youthful exuberance."
Business Times commented: "Prime Minister...Mahathir Mohamad didn't disappoint with his millennium cabinet line-up.
"He served up a few surprises but also showed that he is mindful of the need for continuity, especially with regards to economic policies."
Daim Zainuddin was reappointed finance minister in the line-up announced after November 29 elections.
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi remains deputy premier and home minister, Rafidah Aziz keeps her job as international trade and industry minister and Syed Hamid Albar stays at the foreign ministry.
The biggest surprise was the appointment to the powerful education ministry of Musa Mohamed, an academic and political newcomer. He will be made a member of the upper house senate so he can assume the post.
Business Times said the move might signal the start of a new tradition of making the job "the preserve of a professional and practitioner." Analysts said the move did not mean Musa was a potential successor to Mahathir, 73, who announced Friday he would not seek another term after this one.
Lim Kit Siang, chairman of the opposition Democratic Action Party, saw things differently.
He described the "antediluvian cabinet" as suitable for the old era "but not for the new millennium where Malaysians are clamouring for far-reaching political, economic and social reforms..."
Lim said in a statement that the retention of senior ministers accused in reports to police of graft did not indicate a new cabinet "with zero tolerance for corruption."
Some police reports were made by jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim. Ministers have denied the allegations.
Lim said Abdullah's claim to become Mahathir's successor had been strengthened not because of full endorsement from the premier or the party but because rivals had been weakened.
Former education minister Najib Tun Tazak was moved to the less powerful portfolio of defence while Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah was not offered any post.
"Abdullah's claim to be the prime minister-designate is still quite precarious..." Lim added.