Zahid: No talk of reshuffle with me

PUTRAJAYA: There has been no discussion with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on a possible Cabinet reshuffle, and the matter will not be discussed in the weekly ministerial meeting to be held today, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

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

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

Since last week, talk has been that a Cabinet reshuffle will take place before the tabling of the Budget 2024 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 during today’s (Wednesday) Cabinet meeting, Ahmad Zahid said such matters would not be discussed during the ministers’ weekly meeting, where only national issues were raised.

“This kind of matter has never been 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, has been vacant since the passing of Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub in July.

On another matter, Ahmad Zahid said an announcement would be made on whether Barisan would contest should a by-election be held for the Kemaman parliamentary seat.

He said the unity government leadership council had not decided on the matter.

“Even though the party that won the seat in the 15th General Election (GE15) may have the upper hand, it would be good if we could test the waters and reduce their majority,” he said.

On Sept 26, the Kuala Terengganu Election Court annulled the victory of Kemaman MP Che Alias Hamid, who represented PAS in GE15.

Judge Anselm Charles Fernan dis had ruled in favour of the petitioner, Wan Hisham Wan Abdul Jalil, saying that Hisham had proven allegations of bribery by Che Alias beyond a reasonable doubt.

PAS said that it would not appeal against the decision.

In GE15, Che Alias had won the Kemaman seat in a four-cornered fight, securing a 27,179-vote majority.