Too early for Cabinet reshuffle, says Anwar

Photo: Bernama

PETALING JAYA: A Cabinet reshuffle after only one year is too early, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said that the Cabinet, including himself, needs to be allowed to improve and increase their performance.

"Ministers need to be given the opportunity to improve their performance, including the Prime Minister as well.

“Then, if there is a little adjustment that is needed, then it will be done, including adding (a Cabinet member),” he said during a special interview with TV3 in conjunction with the first year anniversary of the Madani government on Tuesday night (Dec 5).

Anwar was answering a question by host Azaria Tagaya on his thoughts on filling the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister's position following the death of the late Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub and reshuffling the Cabinet at the same time.

Anwar said that reshuffling would be necessary if the ministers’ performance failed or there were other circumstances.

He also said that the unity government, which is formed by different parties, requires negotiations to be held and that this must be considered.

Anwar added that the question reminded him of a boy who recently approached him after Friday prayers at a mosque to ask him when the Cabinet would be reshuffled.

The 12-year-old boy named Akmal Afif Yasser Arafat, had also suggested to Anwar that the reshuffling be done before 2024, to which Anwar had jokingly agreed to during their meeting on Dec 1.

However, Anwar said that it was too soon.

"But I don't think that after one year, we can make a fair assessment.

"Some people rule for 10 years, three years, so one year is too early," Anwar said in the televised interview.