In March 2002, Yaacob became the Acting Minister for Community Development and Sports and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs and made a full member of the Cabinet in May 2003.
Bulan Maret 2002, Yaacob menjabat sebagai Pelaksana Menteri Pengembangan Masyarakat dan Olahraga dan Menteri Urusan Muslim; ia menjadi pejabat kabinet tetap pada Mei 2003.