Jordanian Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit on Wednesday formed a new government which includes figures close to the opposition. The main task of the new government will be the implementation of reforms in a country facing a wave of protests. However, the Islamists were quick to voice their reservations.
The Prime Minister and his 26 ministers were sworn in before King Abdullah II on Wednesday.
The new government comprises 26 ministers, including five ministers from the previous government, which included 31 ministers.
The new government includes Abdul Rahim Okour an Islamist minister who served in the past as the deputy head of the Muslim Brotherhood. He serves as the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.
Taher al-Adwan, editor of the independent "Al Arab Al Yawm" newspaper named as the Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications.
Hamza Mansour, the secretary general of the opposition Islamic Action Front Party, the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood, told AFP in his first comments on the formation of new government, "It's a traditional government like all other governments." The Muslim Brotherhood refused to participate in the government.
He added: "We do not want to predict what will happen. We will wait for actions. We want to see reform on the ground, we want deeds, not words."
For his part, the official spokesman for the Muslim Brotherhood, Jamil Abu Bakr said: "We do not want to comment on the personalities. We will wait to see the achievements on the ground and how they meet the expectations of the citizens, their ambitions and aspirations and how their slogans for the reform turn into reality."
"The current stage does not tolerate any further procrastination or delay. Action and achievement are the aim of everybody," he said. "The Jordanian people do not believe in the promises, speeches or talk," he added.
The Action Front demands to amend the election law and the laws governing freedom. The party boycotted the last parliamentary elections that took place on the 9th of November 2010.
