PM’s call, Tok Pa says on Cabinet return, portfolio changes

KUALA LUMPUR: Former minister Mustapa Mohamed today dodged questions on a possible return to Cabinet, saying any decision on the matter is up to the prime minister.

He also declined to comment on any reshuffle in Cabinet portfolios.

“That’s the prime minister’s prerogative,” Mustapa, popularly known as Tok Pa, told reporters on the sidelines of the National Economic Forum here today.

Dr Mahathir Mohamad said last week that there would be no Cabinet reshuffle although there might be some change in terms of portfolios.

​The prime minister also shot down speculation that Mustapa, the former international trade and industry minister, would rejoin the Cabinet.

Mustapa, a long-time Umno member, joined Mahathir’s party PPBM last year.

He served as second finance minister during Mahathir’s first tenure as prime minister, and has also served as the minister for agriculture, higher education and entrepreneur development.