Referring to Klang MP Charles Santiago’s statement which among others suggested that the prime minister appears to wield too much power, Maszlee said the claim was “an utter lie”, adding that Cabinet decisions were never made unilaterally.

“I refute the allegation by Charles Santiago that the prime minister has been making decisions unilaterally on important and sensitive national issues,” said Maszlee whose ministry has been the target of intense public criticism over the move to introduce khat in vernacular schools.

He said the Cabinet has always been taking “joint decisions”, adding that Mahathir has always “given importance to the views and interests of all parties”.

“I believe other Cabinet members can vouch for this. Issues such as the Rome Statute, Lynas, ICERD and others have been openly discussed.”