ANNOUNCEMENT TODAY? Utusan predicts Hisham as the next DPM, not Zahid

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is reported to have met the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to present his new cabinet line-up.

Umno-mouthpiece Utusan Malaysia Online reported just after midnight that details of the reshuffle would be announced soon.

There is speculation that it may be as soon as this afternoon.

Also today, The Malaysian Insider reports that Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who has vocally criticised Najib's handling of 1MDB, may not survive the reshuffle.

The portal speculates that Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (photo) will take over as the new deputy prime minister.

Zahid is also expected to retain his Home Ministry portfolio, The Malaysian Insider adds.

According to Utusan Online, among the other changes are Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Abdul Rahman Dahlan taking over as communications and multimedia minister, to reflect his new position as the new BN strategic communications director.

G Palanivel's spot in the cabinet as natural resources and environment minister may also be vacated pending the outcome of MIC's party re-elections in September.

The Umno-owned media also reported that a deputy minister would be promoted to a full minister, with two newcomers being made deputy ministers.

Zahid tasked with wooing rural Malays?

Asked to confirm the reports of a cabinet reshuffle, a source close to Najib said: "Speculation is still speculation. In the end, the prime minister will decide."

Other speculations on the reshuffle include Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi taking over the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, with his task being to shore up support from rural Malays.

It is believed that the current minister, Mohd Shafie Apdal will be demoted to the Prime Minister's Department.

The possible reshuffle comes as discontent towards Najib builds following exposes alleging that RM2.6 billion had been deposited into his personal accounts.

Muhyiddin has said that Umno and BN would lose if the next general election is held soon.

Najib previously reshuffled the cabinet in June last year, to make room for five MCA leaders and Gerakan president Mah Siew Keong.

The move bloated Najib's already large cabinet to 35 full ministers, including the prime minister and deputy prime minister, and 27 deputy ministers. -