PUTRAJAYA: The recent Cabinet reshuffle that saw some ministers and their deputies dropped was necessary to ensure that young leaders have an opportunity to lead, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said most of the newly appointed ministers and deputies are in their 40s, while newly-appointed Youth and Sports Minister Mohammed Taufiq Johari is only 29-years-old.
“I wasn’t able to do that initially because we wanted to ensure that the coalition can be fortified and consolidated.
“Now that we are strong, let’s give the young people a chance,” said Anwar during a media briefing session with senior journalists and editors at Seri Perdana on Wednesday (Dec 17).
Addressing Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa’s removal from the Cabinet, Anwar said this does not erase her good work as the previous Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories).
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“She worked hard, broke some of the cartels among traders and petty traders. That took a lot of guts and she did well.
“But, she should understand that in my limitations, I cannot go on expanding the numbers (in the Cabinet).
“So, I need to make sure she continues in an advisory role and get new faces in (to the ministry),” said Anwar, without elaborating further on her new advisory role.
Anwar said the appointment of younger leaders into the Cabinet would ensure that the reform process continues in the government.
“The young should be given a chance, so that the rejuvenation process continues,” added Anwar.
