Cabinet reshuffle inevitable, say analysts

The Star

3 days ago

Double exit: (From left) Rafizi and Nik Nazmi both resigned from the Cabinet after failing to retain their party posts in the recently concluded PKR polls.
PETALING JAYA: If a Cabinet reshuffle is to take place, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim must act swiftly, especially with the upcoming Dewan Rakyat sitting and the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan, say political analysts.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia's Razak Faculty Perdana Centre political analyst Dr Mazlan Ali believes a reshuffle is inevitable and should involve appointing high-performing ministers.
He did not rule out the possibility of Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari joining the federal Cabinet, while Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz could shift to the state level once his senatorship ends.
'The Economy Ministry is vital. Many programmes have been lined up and must be delivered, so a replacement is crucial,' he said.
Asked about the outcome of the recent PKR polls and supposed tension within the party, Mazlan noted that Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli's faction still holds significant influence within the party's leadership.
He said the resignations of Rafizi and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad reflected accountability.
'Any internal tension within PKR will likely subside within a week. It's a storm in a teacup with no spillover. This is evident as neither Amanah nor DAP have commented,' he said.
'As long as coalition partners continue to support Anwar, who holds a two-thirds parliamentary majority, the Madani government remains stable. Also, Rafizi and Nik Nazmi resigned from Cabinet, not Parliament,' Mazlan added, contrasting the current situation with the exit of Datuk Seri Azmin Ali and his faction.
Associate Professor Dr Azmi Hassan echoed the urgency for a decision, saying Anwar should not wait until Nik Nazmi's leave ends.
He said the issue needs to be resolved quickly especially as PKR has many capable MPs who could take on ministerial roles, such as Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
However, he dismissed the idea of Amirudin moving to the federal level, arguing that he is better suited to remain as Selangor's Mentri Besar.
Meanwhile, Universiti Malaya sociopolitical analyst Datuk Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said deputy ministers could temporarily lead ministries to maintain continuity.
'This ensures familiarity with the ministry's tasks, especially as July is a sensitive yet strategic window of time. With the 13th Malaysia Plan scheduled for tabling, Anwar needs a strong and credible team to implement the nation's long-term economic planning.'
He explained that Anwar's comment about delaying the reshuffle until Rafizi and Nik Nazmi return from leave reflects procedural respect rather than hesitation.
'Nik Nazmi's leave ends in July, coinciding with the parliamentary session.
'This suggests a possible Cabinet reshuffle either just after or even before the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan,' said Awang Azman.
He also noted that Amirudin remains crucial in Selangor, unless there is a succession plan for the Mentri Besar post.
'Amirudin is a strong ally of Anwar and has shown good performance in Selangor. Removing Amirudin without internal PKR consensus could cause internal friction,' he said.
Meanwhile, a PKR source said the resignations of Rafizi and Nik Nazmi from Cabinet have left a bad taste in the mouths of some party members and leaders.
'Some members are angry and they felt that the two leaders did not respect the president (Anwar) who has been busy with Asean matters, as they chose to act up during such an important moment,' a party leader said on condition of anonymity.
The source said Rafizi's supporters have washed their hands and have left it to the new leadership to man the party.
'They feel they've done their part,' the source said.