KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has played down speculation of a Cabinet reshuffle, indicating that it is premature to consider changes to his administration.
“It is too early,” he said briefly when asked by reporters yesterday whether a Cabinet reshuffle is on the cards.
The Prime Minister, who attended the International Construction Week opening ceremony yesterday, 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,” Anwar replied.
His remarks came amid speculation that the government could see a minor Cabinet reshuffle following developments involving two ministerial positions.
A news report, citing sources, said 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 would likely be limited to the two positions, without affecting ministers from Barisan Nasional.
The Transport Minister’s post is now vacant following Anthony Loke’s resignation yesterday.
Amir Hamzah’s term as a senator is due to expire on Dec 11, having been appointed to the Dewan Negara for a three-year term beginning Dec 12, 2023.
Under Article 45(3) of the Federal Constitution, senators serve three-year terms and may be reappointed for another term.
On the same issue, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said a fresh mandate from Malaysian voters would be preferable to changes in the Cabinet line-up.
He said he saw no immediate need for a reshuffle.
“It would be better to dissolve Parliament.
“We can then return the mandate to the people and form a new government,” he told reporters in Melaka.
