PUTRAJAYA: Now that the Cabinet has a new line-up, it's time to get back to serving the people and regaining public confidence, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

The prime minister, in his first meeting with members of the Prime Minister's Department since the recent Cabinet reshuffle, reminded his staff that "there is a lot to do".

Now that we are done with the Cabinet reshuffle, we need to move forward.

There is a lot to do, especially in economic matters. Our priority is to lower the cost of living for the people.

It is not just about helping people to put food on the table. There are also other problems we need to address such as affordable housing, employment and improving government service.

"These are all detailed in the National Transformation Policy and the 11th Malaysia Plan," said Najib, adding that the government has a task to address the "confidence deficit."

On social media, the battle between perception and reality is our challenge. Perception always tends to be stronger than reality.

"However, I believe all of these concerns can be addressed if the Cabinet works as one strong unit. We can overcome all challenges if we work together," said Najib.

Najib also thanked former Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for his services.

Former ministers Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, Datuk Seri Hasan Malek and Datuk Seri Ewon Ebin were also given special mention.

Najib congratulated Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for his appointment as the new Deputy Prime Minister.

Also present at the assembly were new Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman and new Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Senator Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

Shortly after the assembly, Dr Ahmad Zahid was followed by the press to photograph him as he entered he clocked in at his new office for the first time.