KUCHING: Ministerial appointment (at federal level) is solely the prerogative of the Prime Minister, said Deputy Chief Minister, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr. James Jemut Masing (pic) yesterday.
In reference to the recent appointment of Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein as Minister of Special Functions at the Prime Minister’s Department, nevertheless it came as surprise to him, Masing pointed out.
“My limited understanding is that an appointment of this nature normally applies to a backbencher whom PM or CM wants to be member of his Cabinet to do special jobs.
“PM must have very legitimate reasons to appoint Hishammuddin as a Minister of Special Functions and retaining his portfolio as Defence Minister,” he said.
