Special functions minister Abdul Latiff Ahmad said the number of ministers in the administration was “optimum” according to the existing challenges and responsibilities as well as expertise that was needed.

In a parliamentary written reply, he gave assurance that the members of the Cabinet were fulfilling their duties and responsibilities with “utmost dedication” for the sake of the people’s welfare.

“The Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit (Mampu) under the prime minister’s department has been given the responsibility of evaluating the Cabinet and various ministries’ performance,” he said.

Latiff was responding to a question from Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid (PH-Kapar), who asked if improvements would be made to the Cabinet.

In view of the rise in the cost of living, there have been calls for Ismail to downsize his Cabinet or reduce the allowances of ministers.

Pakatan Harapan’s cost of living committee, among others, urged Putrajaya to do away with special envoys to the Middle East, China, East Asia and South Asia.