A government source who spoke on the condition of anonymity said Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who was named as the deputy prime minister on Wednesday, will still be in charge of such matters, including movement restrictions.

He will also remain the defence minister, the source said.

“Ismail will be doing the same thing he is doing now, including chairing the National Security Council meetings and issuing daily press briefings on the movement restrictions.”

The same goes for Hishammuddin, who will have “senior” in front of his current title.

The source said that Hishammuddin will still carry out his usual responsibilities as the foreign minister.

The “security cluster” only gives him more clout and “locus standi” for security matters on the international front, such as coordination with foreign security agencies and bodies.

Following the reshuffle, Hishammuddin would have to attend to such matters.

“But he won’t have anything to do with matters related to the pandemic in terms of enforcement of SOPs, taking actions against those who flout such rules and joint operations,” the source said.

Hishammuddin, the source also said, will be coordinating the national recovery plan and will work with finance minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz as well as Khairy Jamaluddin, the minister overseeing the national immunisation programme.

Two days ago, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced the appointments of Ismail Sabri and Hishammuddin which would take effect immediately.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Hishammuddin will head the security cluster and will assist Muhyiddin in the execution of the national recovery plan.

It said Ismail will assist the prime minister in managing the administration of the country during the current health and economic crisis.