Zahid: Cabinet reshuffle doesn't require change to policies

A cabinet reshuffle doesn't necessarily require a change in the policies of a ministry, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

Instead, he said policies and guidelines that have proven to be effective should be retained.

"Ministers come and go, deputy ministers come and go. However, it is crucial to retain effective policies despite government or leadership changes.

“Don't make changes, even to good policies just for the sake of creating a legacy," he said in his speech at the Rural Entrepreneur Carnival 2023 Appreciation Ceremony.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in announcing the first cabinet reshuffle since the establishment of the unity government, said it was aimed at strengthening the administration in line with current demands and needs.

The reshuffle witnessed an increase in cabinet members, the dropping of a minister, four new faces and the return of five former ministers.

It also involved several ministers and deputy ministers swapping portfolios, including Mohamad Hasan, who is the new foreign minister, Mohamed Khaled Nordin (defence minister) and Zambry Abdul Kadir (higher education minister).

On the event, Zahid said the success of the Rural and Regional Development Ministry in attracting over a million visitors to the carnival in Putrajaya between Nov 22 and 26 was a proud achievement worthy of emulation.

As rural and regional development minister, Zahid has recommended that the ministry work on attracting over two million visitors at the next event in 2025.

He also presented appreciation certificates and awards to the ministry’s agencies involved in making the event a success.

- Bernama