17/12/2025

WEDNESDAY | DEC 17, 2025

3

Anwar opts for tweaks over sweeping change PETALING JAYA: The Cabinet reshuffle yesterday saw two ministers and a deputy minister dropped from the line-up, reflecting a selective recalibration, rather than a sweeping overhaul of the administration. Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, who oversaw religious affairs under the Prime Minister’s Department and Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, previously in charge of federal territories, were not retained. Their portfolios are now assumed by Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Hasan, formerly the deputy minister for religious affairs and Hannah Yeoh, the former youth and sports minister. The exercise also resulted in the removal of National Unity deputy minister K. Saraswathy. Political analysts said the limited number of ministers dropped points to a targeted adjustment by the prime minister, aimed at strengthening performance and policy delivery as the administration enters a more critical phase. Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said the changes suggested that expectations set by the prime minister had not been fully met by some members of the Cabinet. “The lineup reflects Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s evaluation of expectations and performance. In some cases, what was expected may not have fully matched what was delivered and that is why we see adjustments being made. “At this stage of the administration, the prime minister would want to realign the Cabinet with his priorities, especially as the government moves into a more critical phase. “This is about ensuring that policies can be translated into action and implementation more effectively.” Sivamurugan said the shift was particularly significant as the government moves into the latter half of its term. “The focus is on ensuring that policies are not just announced, but translated into action. As the government moves into its fourth and fifth years, performance and delivery will be crucial in maintaining public trust and confidence.” Political analyst Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub, meanwhile, said the reshuffle largely involved familiar figures being reassigned with only a few ministers and deputy ministers dropped. “There are not many new faces. Among those brought in are figures such as Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, as well as a new deputy minister for youth and sports from Sarawak, Mordi Bimol.” Mohammad Tawfik said the reshuffle appeared to favour long-standing figures associated with the Reformasi movement. “I see this as an effort to strengthen the presence of leaders who have long been involved in the movement. “There are also promotions of ministers who were previously deputy ministers such as Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad and Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.” Mohammad Tawfik said internal political considerations also played a role in shaping the changes. “This is also to manage pressure from their respective political parties,” he added. Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Cabinet reshuffle signals continuity, not overhaul

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Limited changes seen as test for controversial ministers amid coalition realities, says analyst

decision deeply disappointing for both parties, particularly MIC which has been more vocal about its dissatisfaction over marginalisation. “The reshuffle is a clear letdown for MCA and MIC. “Their expectations of finally entering the Cabinet did not come to fruition. “As a result, we are likely to see new political movements or agendas, especially from MIC.” Mohammad Tawfik said MIC is now at a political crossroads and may be forced to make an urgent decision about its future alignment. “MIC has been hesitant for some time about whether to remain in BN. It has held discussions internally and with BN leadership. “Today’s reshuffle marks a clear turning point for MIC to decide whether it wants to continue within BN or chart a new political path.” Mohammad Tawfik added that MIC is likely to be the first to take a more drastic step, potentially exiting BN, while MCA may opt for a more cautious approach. “MCA’s response may not be as overt. Even if it leaves BN, MCA is likely to continue supporting the Unity government. “But for MIC, I foresee a more pronounced political realignment after this.” would be

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s latest Cabinet reshuffle is widely seen as giving a second chance to several ministers who have faced criticism or controversy, including Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. Describing it as modest in scope, Universiti Malaya senior lecturer Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub said the exercise involved limited changes, with most ministers retained and only three dropped. The reshuffle, he said, signals Anwar’s preference for continuity at this stage of his administration, while allowing room to recalibrate internal pressures from coalition partners and component parties. On ministers perceived as underperforming or contentious, Mohammad Tawfik said the reshuffle effectively grants a fresh opportunity to several figures, most notably Fadhlina. “Fadhlina has been given another opportunity to prove herself. Moving forward, any controversies or heated issues involving the Education Ministry must be managed more effectively,” he said when contacted yesterday. KUALA LUMPUR: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has welcomed the new Cabinet lineup, describing several appointments as “appropriate” and expressing confidence that the newly appointed ministers would continue serving the nation effectively. Speaking to reporters after officiating the MCMC Scholarship Awards Ceremony 2025 at the World Trade Centre yesterday, Fahmi also thanked ministers who had previously served, acknowledging the value of their contributions. “There are ministers who had served previously, some of whom have been replaced and some who have changed portfolios. “On behalf of the Cabinet, I would like to thank all those who have served and I pray that they will continue contributing in whatever capacity,” he said. Fahmi added that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would determine the best way for former ministers to remain engaged in serving the country. He also confirmed that the swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed ministers and deputy ministers is expected to take place at Istana Negara at 10am today. “For those who are not MPs, they New lineup ‘appropriate’, says Fahmi Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

future of the Unity government, while at the same time containing internal pressures and reinforcing the reform agenda. For ministers who remain, especially those under scrutiny, this reshuffle should be seen as a final warning and an opportunity to deliver.” He said one of the most closely watched outcomes of the reshuffle was the continued exclusion of MCA and MIC from the Madani administration. Both the Barisan Nasional component parties had been widely expected to secure Cabinet representation, which many believed would help redefine their political direction and relevance after poor electoral performances. “Undoubtedly, MCA and MIC had been waiting for this reshuffle. They had high hopes that one or several of their leaders would be appointed to the Cabinet, as this would have given them a clearer sense of direction and renewed legitimacy.” Mohammad Tawfik said the

He said Anwar’s own experience as a former Education minister places him in a strong position to provide closer oversight and guidance, particularly given Fadhlina’s role as PKR Wanita chief. “With the prime minister’s background and familiarity with education issues, he will likely work more closely with Fadhlina to ensure recurring controversies are addressed swiftly and decisively.” As for Tiong, who is Bintulu MP and Parti Demokratik Progresif (PDP) president, Mohammad Tawfik said his position is “insulated”. “Tiong represents a Sarawak based party. “Any move involving him requires the consent of his party and, ultimately, Gabungan Parti Sarawak.” Mohammad Tawfik described Tiong as a minister who frequently attracts criticism but remains politically protected by coalition dynamics. “This is about balancing the

Fahmi (centre) officiating the scholarship awards ceremony at the WTC yesterday. Also present were Communications Ministry sec-gen Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah (second from left) and MCMC chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din (right). – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

will first need to be sworn in as senators before the ceremony at Istana Negara,” he said, adding that several MPs appointed as ministers, as announced yesterday, would also take their oath today. Commenting on specific appointments, Fahmi described the choice of Sungai Petani MP Mohammed Taufiq Johari as the new Youth and Sports minister as a suitable choice. “He is very active and full of ideas

“And certainly, issues related to high-density development as well as retention ponds will be among the matters that I believe she will scrutinise. I am not instructing her, but I believe these are matters that are very close to her heart.” Fahmi said the post-Cabinet press conference scheduled for today is likely to be postponed to tomorrow, while the Cabinet meeting is still expected to take place at 2.30pm today.

that can be translated into ensuring that youth and sports in our country continue to excel.” Fahmi also welcomed the appointment of Hannah Yeoh as Minister in the PM’s Department (Federal Territories), calling it “very appropriate”given her experience as MP for Segambut. “I have had many experiences working with her in advocating various issues for the people, voters and residents in Kuala Lumpur.