KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has played down speculation of an imminent Cabinet reshuffle, saying it is not time yet to consider changes to his administration.
"Too early," he said briefly when asked by reporters on Tuesday (Nov 10) whether a Cabinet reshuffle was on the cards.
He said this when met at the International Construction Week (ICW) 2026 opening ceremony at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec).
Anwar was also asked about the impending expiry of Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan’s term as a senator.
"Is that so? He hasn’t told me," the Prime Minister replied.
His remarks came amid speculation that there could be a minor Cabinet reshuffle following developments involving two ministerial positions.
Citing sources, Utusan Malaysia reported that a reshuffle could take place in the near future, potentially involving the Transport Ministry and the Finance Minister II portfolio.
The report suggested that any changes are likely to be limited to the two positions, without affecting ministers from Umno and Barisan Nasional.
Speculation surrounding the Transport Ministry follows Anthony Loke’s decision to submit his resignation letter to Anwar on Sept 28 over DAP’s opposition to a conditional pardon allowing former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.
However, Loke had agreed to continue carrying out his ministerial duties pending the implementation of Najib’s house arrest.
On Friday (Nov 6), Loke reiterated his position, although Najib’s house arrest has been put on hold pending clarification sought by the Attorney General’s Chambers over the interpretation and legal implications of the conditional pardon.
Meanwhile, Amir Hamzah’s term as a senator is due to expire on Dec 11, as he was appointed to the Dewan Negara for a three-year term from Dec 12, 2023.
Under Article 45(3) of the Federal Constitution, senators serve three-year terms and may be reappointed for another term.
