No Cabinet reshuffle discussion held with Anwar, says Zahid

PUTRAJAYA: There has been no discussion with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim over a possible Cabinet reshuffle, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister said Anwar had stated that he would discuss or inform parties in the unity government should there be changes made to the ministerial line-up.

"As of 5pm today, there is no indication that the Prime Minister will call me, as Umno president and Barisan Nasional chairman, on the matter," he said after chairing the Halal Industry Development Council meeting on Tuesday (Oct 3).

There had been talk since last week that a Cabinet reshuffle would take place before Budget 2024 was tabled on Oct 13.

The Prime Minister will leave for the United Arab Emirates for a three-day visit on Oct 5.

Asked if the reshuffle would be discussed in Wednesday's Cabinet meeting, Ahmad Zahid said such matters would not be brought up during the ministers' weekly meeting where only national issues were raised.

"This kind of matter has never and will never be brought up during Cabinet meetings. No Prime Minister will discuss who they will drop or who they will appoint.

"Let us not speculate. It is the Prime Minister's prerogative if he feels it is necessary to do a reshuffle," the Deputy Prime Minister added.

On the likelihood that there would be representatives from Barisan component parties MCA and MIC in the new Cabinet line-up, Ahmad Zahid said that Anwar had not mentioned this to him as Barisan chairman.

One Cabinet post, that of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, had been vacant since the death of Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub in July.