
No urgency for cabinet reshuffle, says PM Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said there is no urgency to carry out a Cabinet reshuffle at this time.
He said the government remains functional despite the recent resignations of two ministers.
'There is no urgency for a reshuffle now. Two ministers have resigned, (and) we're giving them time to reflect on what they want to do.
'Now they are on leave. I already approved their leave. I don't think we should preempt,' he told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2025 (PBAKL 2025) at Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre here today.
Anwar said the Cabinet continues to operate as usual and that temporary arrangements will be made to ensure continuity in governance.
On May 28, Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad announced that they had submitted their leave applications and resignation letters, which will take effect on June 17 and July 4, respectively.
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