KDN to Najib, Finance to Hisham in reshuffle?

In new Cabinet speculation, Sayuti says Zahid may get rural development to strengthen Umno's base in heartland

KUALA LUMPUR: In the latest round of speculation about a possible Cabinet reshuffle after Hari Raya, political blogger Mohd Sayuti Omar has raised the possibility that the prime minister, Najib Razak, may take over the home ministry and relinquish the Treasury to his cousin Hishammuddin Hussein.

Sayuti, writing in his blog on Saturday, recounted conversations at the home of Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, at prayers to mark the end of the 40-day mourning period for Razaleigh’s late wife, Cik Puan Nur Yuonne Low Abdullah.

He said it was speculated that Najib would take over the ministry of home affairs, which supervises the police and Immigration, because of his mounting legal problems arising from the financial affairs and management of 1Malaysia Development Bhd and any possible criminal charges that might arise.

Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal published details of financial transactions in 2013 that led to deposits amounting to US$700 million being paid into private banking accounts held in Najib’s name.

It was speculated that having control over the police force, which is one of four government agencies in a special task force now investigating 1MDB, would help Najib to consolidate his position.

Sayuti said this was based on the experience of Musa Hitam, the deputy to Mahathir Mohamad in the 1980s, who built up his position through the police while he was home minister.

There was speculation about whether there might be a purge of senior police officers, including the Inspector-General, and the stance of the police regarding Najib’s position and also about what game the home minister, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, might be playing.

If Najib took over the home ministry, Zahid might be moved to rural development, to strengthen Umno’s position with its fundamental source of strength base, the Malay voter in the rural heartland.

However, that would leave the current minister Shafie Apdal in the cold. Sayuti said there was talk that Shafie might be moved to defence to take over from Najib’s cousin Hishammuddin, who would be appointed finance minister insteaed. Or Shafie might be dropped, Sayuti said.

Najib’s concurrent position as prime minister and finance minister has been criticised as 1MDB is wholly owned by the finance ministry; in addition Najib is also chairman of the 1MDB board of advisers.

Sayuti said the talk was that “this important portfolio will be given to Hishamuddin” and said it did not matter whether Hishamuddin was eligible. He said Najib’s criterion was the extent to which a minister would defend him, and if he received the approval of his wife Rosmah Mansor.

He said it could also be a means of preparing Hishammuddin to becoming deputy prime minister, and thwart the current deputy, Muhyuddin Yasin. Sayuti said Najib would certainly have more confidence and be sure of Hishamuddin rather than others once he steps down.

Sayuti said the talk was tht two new faces would be in the new Cabinet, but Tengku Razaleigh was not expected to be one of them.

Giving his personal view, however, Sayuti said “it would be ideal if Najib invites Razaleigh to be in charge of the country’s coffers. With his experience Razaleigh could rehabilitate the economic situation”.

Razaleigh’s presence at least could block or blunt the attacks of former premier Mahathir Mohamad, who has demanded that Najib step down. Razaleigh’s relationships with political veterans, corporate members, former government officials, scholars and diplomats would increase support and sympathy for the government, Sayuti said.