Former deputy law minister says Hadi's cabinet split plan breaches Malaysia's constitution

Ramkarpal Singh, a former deputy minister of law, criticised Hadi's call for a cabinet split along ethnic and religious lines, calling it unconstitutional and contrary to Malaysia's multiracial ethos. He referenced the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism, which labelled the statement a breach of the Federal Constitution. According to Ramkarpal, Article 43 provides for only one cabinet and does not permit division by race or faith, while Article 8 guarantees equal legal standing for all citizens.

He emphasized that the prime minister holds the power to appoint ministers and that Malaysia's cabinet has been ethnically diverse since independence, giving no reason for change. DAP condemned Hadi's comments and urged parties such as Gerakan, UMNO, MCA and MIC to state their views, noting the issue's public significance. Hadi later clarified that non-Muslim ministers could serve but would be limited to portfolios implementing government policy, citing public works and forestry as examples.