PUTRAJAYA: No Cabinet reshuffle is on the cards, despite ongoing PKR division elections which saw several party leaders being defeated.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this when asked on the possibility of a Cabinet reshuffle following the defeat of several prominent PKR figures.
“No. This is a party election. It is being conducted properly. Any issues or concerns can be raised during the special meeting on Wednesday (tomorrow),” he told reporters at the Higher Education Ministry’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration here yesterday.
He stressed that the government continues to operate as usual and dismissed speculation linking the party’s internal affairs to a possible Cabinet shake-up.
“This is strictly a party matter. There is no question of it involving the state or federal government. Everything is proceeding as usual.
“The way I see it, each individual (was evaluated) based on their performance, not political manoeuvring,” he said.
In the recent PKR division elections, several prominent figures experienced shock defeats.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, also a PKR vice-president and Setiawangsa MP, lost to actor-director Datuk Afdlin Shauki for the Setiawangsa division chief post.
Carrying a sweet tune: Anwar (centre) joining in the festivities and singing P. Ramlee’s song ‘Tunggu Sekejap’ at the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration in Putrajaya. Looking on is Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Chang Lih Kang (second from right). — Bernama
Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim also failed in his bid for the deputy chief post of the Hang Tuah Jaya division, losing to Zamzizul Nordin.
Other notable losses included Deputy National Unity Minister K. Saraswathy, who was defeated in Bukit Bintang, and Batu MP P. Prabakaran, who lost to lawyer Asheeq Ali Sethi Alivi in the Batu division.
At the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, Anwar playfully responded to the media quoting lyrics from the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee’s song Tunggu Sekejap when asked about the major upsets in the PKR division elections, Bernama reported.
When approached by reporters as he was leaving the function, the PKR president casually quoted the lyrics: “Tunggu sekejap, jangan dikenang orang jauh ... tunggu sekejap,” without offering any further comment on the matter.
His light-hearted demeanour drew laughter from reporters.
