Malaysian cabinet revamp: PM Anwar shuffles 28 ministers and deputies

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced changes to his Cabinet, unveiling a new ministerial lineup during a live special address from Putrajaya, putting an end to months of speculation over vacant posts.

One of the key changes sees Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani appointed as the new Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, replacing Senator Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

The reshuffle also brings Akmal Nasir, a known ally of Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, into the Cabinet as the new Minister of Economy. Meanwhile, Hannah Yeoh has been moved to the Prime Minister’s Department, where she will oversee federal territories.

Umno’s Datuk Indera Shahar Abdullah was named Deputy Minister of Economy, making the ministry one of those led by younger figures within the ruling coalition.

Yeoh, who previously helmed the Youth and Sports Ministry, will be succeeded by first-term Sungai Petani MP Taufiq Johari. Adam Adli, who had served as her deputy, has been reassigned as Deputy Minister of Higher Education.

In another change, Sabahan leader Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup has taken over as Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, following the departure of Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. PKR’s Ledang MP Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh was appointed as deputy minister in the same portfolio.

The Prime Minister also introduced changes at the Human Resources Ministry. Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim Chee Keong has been transferred to lead the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, while Sungai Buloh MP Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan replaces him as Human Resources Minister.

Steven Sim takes over the entrepreneur development portfolio from Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick, who stepped down earlier in protest over the government’s appeal against a High Court decision affirming Sabah’s right to 40 per cent of its tax revenue.

CABINET DEPARTURES

Today’s reshuffle follows months of anticipation that Anwar would reconfigure his Cabinet after several vacancies emerged, including those left by senior PKR figures. The Cabinet had also faced public criticism over performance in certain areas.

Two ministers were dropped from the new lineup. Dr Zaliha Mustafa, who previously served as health minister before being moved to the federal territories portfolio, was removed following sustained criticism over policy decisions.

Also no longer in the Cabinet is Senator Datuk Naim Mokhtar, who had overseen federal religious affairs.

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