KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has informed the new ministers that there will be no honeymoon period, and they must begin their duties immediately.
Government spokesperson and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the Prime Minister made this statement at the first Cabinet meeting held on Thursday (Dec 17) following the reshuffle announced on Dec 16.
Fahmi also said that a Cabinet retreat would be held in January.
He was speaking to the media at a post-Cabinet briefing on Wednesday (Dec 18) at Angkasapuri here.
“At the Cabinet meeting on Dec 17, the Prime Minister welcomed all the newly appointed ministers and issued a firm reminder to them to pay close attention to several aspects.
“First, they were instructed to take time to study and gain a deep understanding of all aspects of management, be they at the ministry level or with regard to policies being formulated by their respective ministries,” said Fahmi.
He also said that the Prime Minister advised the new ministers to be thorough in their decisions and to consider the views of officers and civil servants.
“The Prime Minister also gave space to all new Cabinet members to review several matters before any policy decisions are made.
“This is important because some of the newly appointed ministers are not yet fully familiar with or do not yet fully understand the Cabinet system. These matters are currently being examined,” said Fahmi.
On Tuesday (Dec 16), Anwar announced a Cabinet reshuffle under the Madani Government involving 28 ministers and deputy ministers. This included portfolio changes and new appointments aimed at strengthening administrative efficiency and ensuring more effective policy implementation.
Anwar also announced the appointment of six deputy ministers and several portfolio adjustments, including elevating Deputy Minister of Higher Education Datuk Mustafa Sakmud to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak).
The first Cabinet reshuffle under Anwar’s Unity Government occurred in December 2023.
