MCA Youth deputy chief Chong Yew Chuan had expressed disappointment over the decision to break up two ministries, saying it contradicted Anwar’s pledge that his Cabinet would not be too large.

This drew a sharp response from Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan, who said in a posting on X: “Why wasn’t MCA disappointed when it was in a larger administration (with more ministers and deputy ministers)?”

He also shared a graphic comparing the size of Anwar’s Cabinet with those of his predecessors, including Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Muhyiddin Yassin, Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Najib Razak.

Anwar’s new administrative lineup comprises 31 ministers and 29 deputies, Ismail had 31 ministers and 38 deputy ministers while Muhyiddin’s Cabinet comprised 32 ministers with 38 deputies.

When Mahathir led the Pakatan Harapan government, there were 28 ministers and 26 deputy ministers, while Najib’s last Cabinet had 35 ministers who were aided by 33 deputies.

MCA president Wee Ka Siong served as transport minister under Muhyiddin and Ismail, while party vice-president Wee Jeck Seng was the deputy plantation industries and commodities minister.

Chong previously called on Anwar to drop non-performing ministers from his Cabinet, naming in particular economy minister Rafizi Ramli and agriculture and food security minister Mohamad Sabu.