MCA and MIC vie for more posts as cabinet reshuffle looms

PETALING JAYA: The MCA and MIC are vying for more Cabinet posts in the coming reshuffle expected to be announced by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak tomorrow.
The reshuffle is due to several changes including resignations and the tragic helicopter crash in Sarawak during the state elections.
An MCA source said the party has asked the prime minister for more seats in the Cabinet.
He said by having more party leaders it would make it easier for the party to better serve the Chinese community.
"We would like to have a post in the Home Ministry. We already have a minister in the Prime Minister's Department and feel a post in another ministry would be better for the party and the community," he said.
The source added that the party did not mind swapping ministries as long as it was beneficial for all those involved
He added that if there was no Cabinet post available the party might settle for another deputy minister's post
MCA had in the past held a post in the Home Ministry.
An MIC source meanwhile, said the party was hoping to also get another Cabinet post.
He pointed out the party previously had two Cabinet posts before Datuk Seri G. Palanivel was replaced as the Natural Resources and Environment Minister by Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaffar.
"It is very unlikely that the party will get back the Natural Resources Ministry post. We don't mind another Cabinet level post at any other ministry,".
The source pointed out that in the last two by-elections the party got the Indian Community to come out and support Barisan Nasional.
He said the best Cabinet post for the party would be in the Prime Minister's Department.
He added that it should be an Indian Affairs Ministers so that it would make it easier for the party to serve the community.
"By having such a post the party and the government can work together to help solve the problems facing the Indian Community," he said.
The last Cabinet reshuffle was in August last year when former deputy prime minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal (former Rural and Regional Development Minister) were removed from their respective posts.