New Cabinet Line-up

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi unveiled a smaller Cabinet yesterday which he did away with parliamentary secretaries position. However, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi still retained the Finance portfolio. Abdullah Ahmad Badawi named Najib as the deputy prime minister and minister of defence.

Asked why Najib still retained in the new Cabinet, the prime minister defended Najib and saying that the Opposition’s allegations of corruption against his deputy were baseless.

The prime minister added that there is no proof and nothing to show that Najib is involved in any corrupt activities.

Interestingly, the prime minister also named Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib named Rural and Regional Development Minister. This ex-chief minister of Selangor was caught officials at Brisbane airport with suitcase of close to $1 million cash which’s against the law in Australia since Muhammad apparently did not declare he had more than A$5,000 cash in his possession.