Cabinet reshuffle: Important to think outside the box, says Johari after taking over portfolio

KUALA LUMPUR: Commodities comprise nearly half of the agriculture sector's contribution to the Malaysian economy and newly-appointed Plantations and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani says it is important to think outside the box.

He said the agriculture sector contributes 8.9% of the nation's GDP (gross domestic product).

"The commodities sector contributes nearly 50% to agriculture, so there are many things that we need to look into.

"It might require out-of-the-box thinking. There are a lot of things that I will share regarding this ministry," said Johari to reporters at Istana Negara after the swearing-in ceremony of new ministers and deputy ministers on Tuesday (Dec 12).

All ministers and deputy ministers were present at Istana Negara for the swearing-in ceremony at the Istana Negara on Tuesday (Dec 12).

They took their oath of office, loyalty and secrecy before Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

Among those sworn in were Damansara MP Gobind Singh Deo as Digital Minister, Kuala Selangor MP Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad as Health Minister, and Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan as Finance Minister II.

On Tuesday (Dec 12), Anwar announced a new Cabinet line-up, consisting of 31 ministers and 29 deputy ministers.