Council of Professors fellow Jeniri Amir said Anwar must be open to choosing technocrats, academicians and other professionals for ministerial positions to ensure a capable and effective Cabinet is formed.

“The Cabinet shouldn’t be formed based on party quotas or be limited to politicians and MPs as it is crucial to have ministers who are qualified and experienced.

“We need ministers of a high calibre who possess integrity and the right attitude to solve the economic problems and other issues the country faces,” he told FMT.

Yesterday, Anwar said Cabinet appointments were not a reward for supporting the government, adding that he wanted ministers who would support him based on his policies and commitment to good governance, tackling corruption and economic recovery.

Jeniri echoed remarks by MIC president SA Vigneswaran, who said Barisan Nasional (BN), of which MIC is a component member, should not demand any ministerial positions in Anwar’s administration.

Vigneswaran said BN should not demand positions as that would go against the principle of “No Anwar, No DAP” adopted before the general election.

Jeniri said every party and coalition in Anwar’s unity government should refrain from demanding Cabinet posts, and that the prime minister should be given the freedom to choose the most qualified candidates.

Another analyst, Jayum Jawan of Universiti Putra Malaysia, said Anwar had the upper hand in forming the Cabinet as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had consented to his appointment as the prime minister.

“Anwar doesn’t need to entertain party haggling as he received the mandate directly from the Agong to form the unity government,” he said. “Any party leader that makes it difficult for Anwar risks offending the Agong.”

The unity government comprises PH, BN, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), with support from MPs from Muda, Warisan, Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) and independents.