Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has revealed that there will be no major cabinet shake-up, but merely a move to fill roles which have been left vacant.
He said that current considerations indicate there is no need for sweeping changes, given that the government has only slightly more than a year to go before the next general election, Bernama reported.
“We need to fill a few vacancies, but a major reshuffle normally requires a longer time (remaining in the term), while this cabinet will only function for a little over a year, a year and a half.
“So I do not think a major reshuffle should be done. However, I am contemplating what steps should be taken. But filling the vacancies is necessary,” he told reporters after launching Perodua’s first electric vehicle, in Kuala Lumpur today.
Also present was Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
Speculations over the impending reshuffle resurfaced as several ministers are expected to end their service following the expiry of their senatorships this month.
They include Zafrul, Higher Education Minister Zambry Abd Kadir, and Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Talks were also rife on the candidates who would be picked to replace former economy minister Rafizi Ramli, former natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and former entrepreneur and cooperatives development minister Ewon Benedick, who all resigned from their cabinet posts this year.
On Zafrul, whose senatorship ends tomorrow, Anwar said the former corporate figure will be appointed to a new position, with an announcement to be made on Wednesday.
“Zafrul will not be here for much longer, but he still has responsibilities, and he cannot simply let them go. I told him that his term as minister ends on Dec 2, and that he will continue the work (which) I will announce on Dec 3.
“This also signals, apart from our appreciation, that I know what he has done in expanding international trade networks,” he added.
Impressive performance
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, reportedly labelled Zafrul’s role in steering the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti), the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida), and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) as being very commendable.
“You all know that in the past one or two years, I have also undertaken many duties abroad, and the role of Miti and the Miti family - Mida, Matrade - all under his (Zafrul) leadership, has been very impressive and has shown good achievements.
“So, as usual, if there is room, people who perform well, like Asmat Kamaludin, the former Miti secretary-general, cannot just be released, cannot run away from ongoing responsibilities.
“There is no retirement; they continue on, like (for example) Perodua president and CEO Zainal Abidin Ahmad,” he added.
No problem with China
Separately, on reports that China had warned Malaysia and Cambodia about trade agreements with the US, Anwar stressed that there is no reason for concern, as Malaysia has provided the necessary clarification to Beijing.
“No, no. They only wanted clarification, and we have already given it. I don’t think we should regret anything.
“China is still a very important business partner. There were several explanations that we have indeed provided,” he said.
The prime minister added that he had personally discussed the matter with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
“In fact, I have also explained to Li that there is nothing in the agreement (with the US) that prevents us from continuing to strengthen cooperation with China,” he said.
China had voiced complaints to Malaysia on Nov 25 over the trade agreement inked with the US last month, with Chinese authorities urging Putrajaya to “properly handle” the matter. - Mkini
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