KEPALA BATAS: Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican has welcomed the appointment of Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani to the Cabinet as the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister.
Reezal Merican described Johari as the right person for the job with the experience and exposure needed to strengthen the country’s trade and investment ecosystem.
The Bertam assemblyman said Johari’s background in the private sector gave him a strong understanding of the pulse and needs of industry players.
“He comes from the corporate and private sector, so he understands the grassroots realities of the business community.
"This is not new to him; it is an ecosystem he has long operated in,” he said after attending SK Pinang Tunggal Year Six Graduation Ceremony here on Tuesday (Dec 16).
Reezal Merican also described Johari as the best successor to Datuk Seri Utama Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, as the new Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry.
He noted that Johari had extensive experience as a corporate figure even before entering politics, including shareholdings in publicly listed companies.
"He was already involved in listed companies before becoming a minister and he understands how the financial and corporate ecosystem works,” he said.
Reezal Merican also pointed out that Johari had previously served in key roles, including in financial administration, and had experience as a backbencher before being appointed to the Cabinet.
He said all these attributes make him a well-rounded figure with the right exposure and experience to understand trade and investment.
He thanked the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for what he called a sound decision.
“I believe this is the best choice, and I am confident the country will see a stronger leap forward from what has already been achieved,” he said.
The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) chairman expressed hope that the new Cabinet lineup would strengthen governance and improve communication with the public.
“Issues should not be left unanswered and the Prime Minister should not be left to shoulder matters alone. The people want to see results,” he said.
He added that while some ministries had already shown positive outcomes, the Cabinet reshuffle should pave the way for more good news for the rakyat, ultimately ensuring greater stability and long-term prosperity.
Earlier, Anwar announced the appointment of new ministers and deputy ministers, as well as several portfolio realignments, to fill the vacancies in the Cabinet and suitability needs.
Besides Johari, other notable name includes Hannah Yeoh as Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories).
The reshuffle also saw six deputy ministers and one new face elevated to full ministerial rank, including former Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir being made Economy Minister and Sungai Petani Member of Parliament Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari being appointed as the new Youth and Sports Minister.
