(Update) Latheefa's appointment my own decision - Dr Mahathir

e people worked very hard to ensure our win but our manifesto says people who worked for us cannot hold any post, that’s not fair.

"Of course we don't make them heads of department or companies; we make them members of the board but in certain cases if they have the right quality we will appoint even those who are in politics," he said.

Dr Mahathir said the top post in a government agency is not a monopoly and there is no guarantee that only the number two or three should be appointed to take over from the number one.

"Well, sometimes we choose people from outside... We have a right to approve anybody who we think fit," he said.

Dr Mahathir said Shukri had told him of his intention to resign last year.

"So I took time to find a replacement. He said he has been too long in the place," Dr Mahathir said.

Asked why many ministers were reportedly surprised by the appointment, he jokingly said: "Sometimes it happens."

"For example DAP proposed me as prime minister, that was a surprise even for me; sometimes we get surprises.

"They (Cabinet ministers) cannot be complacent and think that whatever they think will be approved," he added. -- BERNAMA