Cabinet reshuffle: Beyond filling a missing vacancy

PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet reshuffle, expected to take place today, will go beyond filling a missing vacancy.

Several changes are expected in the substantial revamp.

Speculation is that one key ministry will be filled by a former minister who is said to be making a comeback.

Another senior Umno MP will also be appointed a minister.

It is reliably learnt that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has also made some final changes to his list.

It is unclear if some ministers will be dropped entirely or moved to other portfolios.

ALSO READ: EPF CEO slated to fill Finance Minister II post at Tuesday’s Cabinet reshuffle

The focus will also be on whether there will be a Finance Minister II post, and if there is one, whether it would be filled by an MP or a technocrat.

It is understood that ministers have been informed of a rehearsal at Istana Negara today, beginning at 11am.

“The official announcement will need to be made before the swearing-in ceremony in the afternoon,” an official said.

Meanwhile, Bernama, in its daily news coverage schedule, said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah will grace the presentation of the instruments of appointment and the swearing-in of the ministers at Istana Negara at 2.30pm.

Apart from taking the oath of office, loyalty and secrecy, the new members of the Cabinet will also be awarded their respective letters of appointment during the ceremony.

The expected returnees include former Cabinet members Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Gobind Singh Deo and Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

ALSO READ: New health minister lined up, Zaliha possibly moving to revived FT ministry

The media also named Employees Provident Fund (EPF) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan as a possible candidate for Finance Minister II. Amir had joined EPF in March 2021.

The focus is also on Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar, who has come under much criticism for his performance.

On Dec 1, the Prime Minister hinted there would be a Cabinet reshuffle this month.

The reshuffle takes place a year after the unity government headed by Anwar came to power.

The reshuffle is expected to help strengthen the government as a few ministers have come under fire for perceived poor performance while others said experienced leaders need to come on board.

Currently, there is a vacancy for the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living portfolio following the death of Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub on July 23.

His duties are currently being assumed by Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, who is also a Minister (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs, and Special Duties) in the Prime Minister’s Department.