Amirudin downplays talk of appointment to federal cabinet

Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari downplayed rumours that he will be appointed to a position in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s cabinet.

The PKR vice president added that he was not privy to the source of the rumours.

“Rumours of me joining the cabinet have been swirling since 2022. I personally have not heard (of any latest developments).

“Regardless, any decision is of the Prime Minister’s prerogative,” he was quoted as saying by Utusan.

Amirudin reportedly said this after officiating the 2023 Selangor Property Expo in Shah Alam today.

The Sungai Tua assemblyperson added that the new Selangor state government had just been formed and wanted to fulfil its agenda for the people.

However, he said Anwar will discuss with the party leadership and the federal coalition government before appointing new ministers.

Talks of a cabinet reshuffle began after the domestic trade and cost of living minister post fell vacant with the death of Salahuddin Ayub in July and has yet to be filled.

Speculation has been rife on who would be axed and appointed into the new cabinet after Anwar admitted thinking about reshuffling the cabinet.

He later said there was no urgency to do so.

On Wednesday, sources in the Prime Minister’s Department said the potential cabinet reshuffle will see leaders from the state level elevated to federal positions.

One source claimed the reshuffle will only be after the Pelangai by-election on Oct 7 and “at least one menteri besar is expected to be promoted to the federal government”.

Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail yesterday denied talks of a possible appointment, adding his sole focus was on ensuring BN’s win in the Pelangai by-election. - Mkini