PETALING JAYA, Aug 19 (Sin Chew Daily) – Political analysts feel that star performers in Muhyiddin's cabinet such as Khairy Jamaluddin and Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein should be reappointed, if Umno vice president Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is to be appointed the country's next prime minister.

Universiti Malaya Head of Academy of Islamic Studies Prof Dr Mohd Roslan Mohd Nor told Sin Chew Daily Hishammuddin should be reappointed a senior minister in order to minimize confrontation between Umno and the new cabinet.

"The new prime minister may also need to appoint an MP each from Bersatu, PAS and East Malaysia to be senior ministers."

As for the deputy prime minister post, he said Bersatu's secretary-general Hamzah Zainuddin has the best chances.

"Compared to Azmin Ali, Hamzah is more senior in the party, although there are calls to offer the post to PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim."

He also believes there is strong possibility Muhyiddin will be appointed minister mentor.

"As for the 15 Umno MPS withdrawing their support for Muhyiddin, they may not get the appointments."

Mohd Roslan also does not think the opposition would be offered any cabinet post.

Meanwhile, local political analyst Liew Wui Chern feels that the new cabinet should be more inclusive, and include members not from the same political camp.

However, he believes a big part of Muhyiddin's cabinet line-up will be retained.

Other than Pakatan Harapan, Liew believes Parti Pejuang Tanah Air may also be invited to join the new cabinet.

He also agrees that Khairy and Hishammuddin should be reappointed.

"I believe the Yang di-Pertuan Agong will offer some suggestions in forming the new cabinet and will not allow the cabinet to become a tool to reward allies."