Lee, the PKR communications director, said former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob had a total of 60 ministers and deputies in his Cabinet while his predecessor had 70.

“To add another minister would send the wrong message that the Madani government is not serious about reducing the deficit,” the Petaling Jaya MP said in a statement, describing the proposal as “absurd”.

Lee also said that the creation of such a portfolio could result in discussions related to the administration of faiths overshadowing other critical issues such as the economy and security.

He said these issues “would be forced to compete against each other” for priority given the limited time set aside for Cabinet meetings.

Lee said when it came to such matters, the national unity ministry should be more “competent and proactive”.

He also suggested the establishment of a bi-partisan committee comprising representatives from different races and religions.

“It could help resolve various issues and forge greater unity,” he added.

On Wednesday, Raub MP Chow Yu Hui of DAP proposed a separate portfolio to manage non-Muslim religious affairs.

Chow said having two religious affairs ministers could curb controversies linked to religious issues.

He also said that the Penang, Perak, and Negeri Sembilan governments have executive councillors in charge of non-Muslim affairs, which could be emulated by Putrajaya.

His suggestion drew brickbats from PAS and fellow Pakatan Harapan ally, Amanah.

PAS Youth deputy chief Hafez Sabri claimed the proposal contravened the “spirit” of the Federal Constitution and could affect interreligious harmony, while Kepala Batas Amanah Youth chief Abrar Sadiq said it was irrelevant as there were sufficient mechanisms to protect the interests of non-Muslims, including the national unity ministry.