KUALA LUMPUR - It was quite a masterstroke on the part of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin not to appoint a deputy prime minister.
He recognised the deep concerns that Malaysians have about corruption and the demand for greater integrity in government and he kept his word to keep out Umno leaders who are battling court cases for corruption and money laundering. He acknowledged the importance of these two states with the creation of a new portfolio for Sabah and Sarawak Affairs which comes under the Prime Minister's Department.
Mr Muhyiddin also acknowledged the racial tensions and deterioration of race relations over the last two years by having a National Unity Ministry, unlike previously when the portfolio was held by a Minister in the Prime Minister's Department. But it is also abundantly clear that Muhyiddin's Cabinet is also about strengthening his party Bersatu.
Although no deputy prime minister was appointed, Mr Azmin who left PKR for Bersatu is seen by some as the de facto No 2.