PETALING JAYA: The unity government has started rounds of negotiations for the positions of deputy ministers, who are expected to be sworn-in on Saturday.

It is learned that DAP has started the negotiations for eight deputy ministers since the party only has four ministers while Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has eight.

DAP vice chairman Chong Chieng Jen and deputy secretary-general Liew Chin Tong have been nominated as deputy ministers, according to a source.

It is learned that political parties have submitted their candidate lists for the prime minister to decide.

Announcement is likely made on Friday.

PKR MPs likely to be appointed as deputy ministers are William Leong (Selayang), Lee Chean Chung (Petaling Jaya), S. Kesavan (Sungai Siput), Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir (Johor Bahru), R Ramanan (Sungai Buloh) and Adam Adli Abd Halim (Hang Tuah Jaya).

PKR is selecting the deputy ministers based on party positions.
A source said the prime minister would like appoint some Indians as deputy ministers.

Umno MPs who are likely to be appointed as deputy ministers are party secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan (Pontian), Datuk Mohamad Alamin (Kimanis), Datuk Seri Dr. Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (Lenggong).