Newspapers have had their say about yesterday's cabinet reshuffle, through editorials and comment pieces.

The Chinese dailies appeared to be more critical of the choices made by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The English-language focused on the retention of certain ministers around whom controversy has swirled in the recent past, while the Malay-language press typically expressed full support.

The following excerpts are from newspaper editorials or analysis pieces by top editors.

Nanyang Siang Pau

The prime minister announced the cabinet reshuffle before the Ninth Malaysia Plan to consolidate his team, in order to attain the goal of a developed nation.

In order to sustain leadership in each ministry, Abdullah was even tolerant of obvious mistakes committed by members of his cabinet.

Deputy Internal Security Minister Noh Omar, who was heavily criticised over the 'nude ear-squat' controversy, was not censured but was made deputy education minister. It appears that his networking and support base works (effectively).

The new cabinet is not one that has been downsized, but one that remains overstaffed. The bottle has been changed, but still contains old wine.

Oriental Daily News

Although as many as 16 ministries were involved in the cabinet reshuffle, there was no huge turnover as many 'old ministers' have been retained.

After the 11th general election, Abdullah expanded the government from 25 to 28 (ministries) and increased the initial 29 ministers to 33. The government has maintained the huge cabinet of 28 ministries in this reshuffle.

At a time when body-slimming is popular, many people who were looking forward to a smaller cabinet are no doubt disappointed. The 'old ministers' retained will come as a surprise to many observers. We view this as Abdullah's decision to maintain continuity in government policies.

The purpose of administrative reform is to minimise use of human resources and money in order to enhance the quality of administration. Although the reforms promoted by Abdullah's administration contain fresh ideas, the period has perhaps been too short to judge their success. Reform has yet to bring about real-time achievements.

A leader's cognizance of, and support for, administrative reform determines its success. If (the leader) merely repeat the same slogan and does not implement it, administrative reform will remain rhetoric forever.

Wong Chun Wai, Star deputy group chief editor II

By tradition and convention, the heads of component parties, especially the key ones, are automatically full ministers.

But not every Malaysian will be pleased with the line-up. There will be many who had expected some (of the) old guard to be dropped, believing they have overstayed and that Malaysia has enough capable people to replace them.

Some may even question the credibility of certain politicians, which is a norm in a democratic country. After all, no one should swallow every thing announced by the government.

Still, the line-up has been decided and for Abdullah, people will always have flaws. But where government policies are concerned, Pak Lah will have to make sure that there are as few flaws as possible.

These political considerations would certainly have been taken into account when Abdullah drew up the list. Other talented leaders could have been included, but this is realpolitik.

Brendan Pereira, New Straits Times group editor

Let's face it. Every prime minister operates within certain constraints when selecting his cabinet. By convention, he has to include the head of component parties, even if some of them have been around forever.

For political considerations, he has to include some members who will do the grunt work - not only will they be aggressive in their respective ministries but they will be his enforcers on the ground.

For sentimental reasons, he may have included some politicians who have been with him through thick and thin. Three names come to mind - Azmi Khalid, Radzi Sheikh Ahmad and Aziz Samsuddin.

For practical reasons, he stuck with several veterans. If it ain't broke, don't change it. Foreign Affairs Minister Syed Hamid Albar and Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Muhyiddin Yassin fall into this category.

The PM views their portfolios as too important to be given to greenhorns.

Utusan Malaysia

This cabinet reshuffle is expected to fulfill the people's aspiration for a dynamic and innovative government that finds ways to improve the economic capability, development and the building of the nation.

We believe that the prime minister has considered numerous factors in reshuffling the cabinet this time, so that the new cabinet can be strengthened and consolidated, apart from keeping every party satisfied.

Therefore, we want all parties to agree (with the selection) and not question appointments... because this is the absolute right of the prime minister.

We also would like to remind all members of the cabinet to work hard and go down to the grassroots to ensure that the government's goal to provide better service is met.

Berita Harian

What is interesting in this reshuffle is Abdullah's decision to retain all senior ministers, including the controversial trio - Works Minister S Samy Vellu, Energy, Water and Communications Minister Dr Lim Keng Yaik and International Trade and Industry Rafidah Aziz. He also reappointed Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and Effendi Norwawi.

This proves that the services of all senior ministers are still needed, and that those who have contributed to the party and country will not be sidelined. In Rafidah's case, her experience and capability are obviously still needed in the government's efforts to increase foreign investment and international trade.

The new cabinet is seen as a 'working cabinet' and the ministers will certainly assist Abdullah with accelerating national development.