Noting that it has been about two weeks since Zuraida announced her exit from Bersatu, Muhyiddin said he was also waiting to meet Ismail. He added that he already had a candidate to replace her.

“I think it has been more than two weeks (of waiting to meet Ismail).

“We (Bersatu) have stated our stand and opinion, and the prime minister should have decided on the issue immediately,” he said in a press conference.

Zuraida was appointed to her current Cabinet portfolio on Aug 27 last year when she was with Bersatu. She left the party to join Parti Bangsa Malaysia on May 26.

Bersatu’s leadership previously said Zuraida should be replaced by someone from the party because the ministerial position was under its quota.

Last Thursday, Ismail said he would meet Zuraida this week prior to chairing the weekly Cabinet meeting.

On Sunday, Zuraida expressed hope to retain her post as plantation industries and commodities minister to finish the programmes she had started.

Muhyiddin maintained that the position should be given to a Bersatu member but acknowledged it was up to the prime minister to decide.

“It is his (Ismail’s) right to retain Zuraida if he wishes, but he cannot do so under Bersatu’s quota,” he said.

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