“Every ministry must prove themselves in the first 100 days,” he said in his televised message to announce his line-up this morning.

“We are facing a difficult situation and the economy has worsened due to instability (caused by the pandemic).”

Ismail said the Cabinet had a good mix of experienced ministers and deputy ministers, who he believes can help the country get back on its feet.

He added each ministry must develop short and long-term plans.

“It is a more open Cabinet and based on the ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ (Malaysian Family) concept,” he said.

“I will make sure the Cabinet is committed to overcoming the challenges (we face) through bi-partisan cooperation.

“I hope the Cabinet appointments will unite all parties to fight Covid-19 and free Malaysia from the ongoing crisis,” he said.