Follow us on Telegram for the latest updates: https://t.me/mothershipsg

Almost a week after being sworn in, Malaysia's ninth prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has announced his Cabinet, with the approval of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Malaysia's king).

Before the announcement, there was reportedly intense lobbying among political parties for ministerial positions, with factions jostling for power behind the scenes.

According to sources, Sabri was under pressure to form his cabinet before Malaysia's National Day on Aug. 31, reported The Star.

However, the dust has finally settled, and the announcement comes a week before Malaysia's National Day on Aug. 31.

Sabri's cabinet has some familiar faces from the previous Muhyiddin administration, and his announcement did not include a deputy prime minister.

Azmin Ali as Minister of International Trade and Industry

Previously serving as the Senior Minister for Economy and Minister of International Trade and Industry, Azmin Ali has been given the same role under Sabri.

Prior to the announcement, there were numerous reports from Malaysian media that indicated the former minister was gunning for the seat of deputy prime minister.

One of the factors behind the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government's collapse, sources said he threatened to withdraw his support for Sabri if he was not given the seat, though his camp has since denied the allegations, reported Malaysiakini.

Khairy Jamaluddin as Health Minister

Khairy Jamaluddin was the coordinating minister for Malaysia's National Immunisation Program for Covid-19, and he was also the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation in the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government.

The son-in-law to Malaysia's fifth prime minister, Khairy was tasked with overseeing the acquisition of Covid-19 vaccines and the vaccination process for the population.

The 45-year-old has been appointed as Health Minister for Malaysia's new government.

Hishammuddin Hussein as Defence Minister

Former Senior Minister for Security and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hishammuddin Hussein is now Malaysia's Minister of Defence.

This is a post that Hishammuddin previously held while Najib Razak was prime minister. Saifuddin Abdullah, who previously held the post of Foreign Minister in the Pakatan Harapan government before his defection, returns to fill his old role.

The UMNO (United Malays National Organisation) man visited Singapore in May, meeting with Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean.

In July 2020, Hishammuddin also met Vivian in the middle of the Johor-Singapore causeway to discuss travelling arrangements between the two country amid the Covid-19 pandemic, as per Malaysiakini.

The Cabinet

A complete list of the Cabinet announced by Sabri is as follows:

Prime Minister: Ismail Sabri Yaakob

Deputy Prime Minister: Vacant

Minister of International Trade and Industry: Azmin Ali (Senior Minister)

Minister of Defence: Hishammuddin Hussein (Senior Minister)

Minister of Finance: Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz

Minister of Works: Fadhillah Yusof (Senior Minster)

Minister of Education: Radzi Jidin (Senior Minister)

Ministers in the Prime Minister's Department: Mustapa Mohamad (Economy), Abdul Latiff (Special Functions), Wan Junaidi (Parliament and Law), Idris Ahmad (Religious Affairs), Maximus Ongkili (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs)

Minister of Transport: Wee Ka Siong (MCA)

Minister of Environment and Water: Tuan Ibrahim

Minister of Human Resources: Saravanan Murugan (MIC)

Minister of Federal Territories: Shahidan Kassim

Minister of Women, Family and Community Development: Rina Harun

Minister of Higher Education: Noraini Ahmad

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources: Takiyuddin Hassan

Minister of Home Affairs: Hamzah Zainudin

Minister of Health: Khairy Jamaluddin

Minister of Agriculture and Food Industries: Ronald Kiandee

Minister of Rural Development: Mahdzhir Khalid

Minister of Foreign Affairs: Saifuddin Abdullah

Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs: Alexander Nanta Linggi

Minister of Communication and Multimedia: Annuar Musa

Minister of Housing and Local Government: Reezal Merican

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation: Adham Baba

Minister of Entrepreneurship Development and Cooperation: Noh Omar

Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities: Zuraida Kamaruddin

Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture: Nancy Shukri

Minister of National Unity: Halimah Mohamed Sadique

Minister of Youth and Sports: Ahmad Faizal Azumu

Follow and listen to our podcast here

Top image via Ismail Sabri/Facebook