Replacing Lim Hui Ying with Liew Chin Tong in MOF, what does that mean?

Are We OK? co-hosts Rajiv Rishyakaran and Ong Kian Ming interpreted Liew Chin Tong’s shift to the Finance Ministry from Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry and the moving Lim Hui Ying from finance to women, family and community development portfolio.

This was in light of the recent cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“It could be changing of guards but the talk out there is they don’t think she is performing. It is market talk,” said Rajiv who is Selangor DAP assistant treasurer and Bukit Gasing assemblyman.

“Hui Ying is state secretary in Penang. Steven (Sim) is full minister. That’s fair game.

“Replacing her with some one Sabah or Johor will shake the balance,” he added when asked why Teo Nie Ching who has more experience in the Dewan Rakyat was not made a full minister.

Ong Kian Ming meanwhile viewed the decision as Anwar’s method of sending out signals.

“PM is Finance Minister. He is basically saying that he is confident of Liew Chin Tong in this portfolio. He is sending signals to how he sees the statements coming out from Lim Guan Eng pressuring the government to do XYZ,” Ong, a former DAP leader, said.

Guan Eng has been vocal in raising issues related to concerns of the SME.

Despite being Penang DAP secretary, Hui Ying was failed her bid into the all powerful central executive committee and was subsequently co-opted post party polls.

The cabinet reshuffle took place eight days ago.

Hannah Yeoh’s tough spot

They also discussed the most contentious cabinet appointment – Hannah Yeoh’s appointment to the Federal Territories portfolio.

This is especially so since FT Ministers sit in the Pardons Board.

On the other hand, Umno’s former top gun, Datuk Seri Najib Razak is using all channels to get out of jail. He is currently a discounted prison term after being found guilty in the SRC case.

“Najib’s pardon’s is not really on the table right now. If there is a fresh pardon application then it would have to go through the FT minister

“Whatever decision Hannah makes, it is a hot seat. PM will be able to say it originated from Minister’s purview,” Ong said.

Rajiv meanwhile pointed out that Yeoh may have options favorable to her.

“If it comes one year before elections, it would be easier for her to resign as minister, become superhero in Harapan circles and it will shoot her up the ladder.

“If it comes to the table. It is embarrassing for PMX but very good for DAP and for her.”

“I think the pardon will be put aside. If you want to pardon, should have done it one year ago, not do it a few months before elections,” he said.

The discussion was aired yesterday in episode 85 of Are We OK?