Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the decision to remove any minister or member of the federal administration rests solely with the Prime Minister.
He said there is no need for ministers or deputy ministers to resign voluntarily if the Prime Minister has credible information indicating that disciplinary breaches have occurred.
“The power to appoint is the Prime Minister’s absolute right.
“If the Prime Minister suspects or has verified information of any misconduct, it is entirely within his authority to act. There is no need for anyone to resign on their own,” he told reporters after attending the 104th Immigration Day celebration on Tuesday.
Ahmad Zahid was responding to an earlier warning by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who said ministers, deputy ministers and government agency officeholders must not use their official positions to attack fellow members of the Federal Government while campaigning during the upcoming state elections.
Anwar had warned that those found doing so would be asked to step down from their positions.
Reiterating his position, Ahmad Zahid said matters involving the appointment and dismissal of ministers fall under the Prime Minister’s prerogative.
“That is the Prime Minister’s prerogative,” he said.
