Ministerial Resignations Signal Need For Cabinet Reshuffle
KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- The resignations of Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad today have been described by analysts as a turning point signalling the need for a Cabinet reshuffle within the MADANI government.
Political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian, who is with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), said the development takes into account factors such as the possibility of other ministers or deputy ministers from 'Rafizi's faction' in Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) following suit.
He added that another factor to consider is the status of Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, whose term as Senator is set to expire in December.
'Given the current situation, this might be the right time for a Cabinet reshuffle. With Rafizi's resignation, followed by Nik Nazmi's, and possibly more to come, a comprehensive reshuffle is necessary to ensure the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) has a team fully committed to leading the country for the remainder of the term.
'A Cabinet reshuffle is important not only to fill the vacancies left by outgoing ministers but also to ensure government stability and maintain public confidence and trust,' he told Bernama.
Rafizi and Nik Nazmi, who failed to retain their positions in the recent PKR central leadership election, have announced their resignations, effective June 17 and July 4, respectively.
Commenting further, Sivamurugan said any Cabinet reshuffle should be guided by the key performance indicators (KPI) previously set for all ministers and deputy ministers.
Senior lecturer at the Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Kedah, Dr Jazimin Zakaria, suggested the government should consider appointing more technocrats in the event of a Cabinet reshuffle.
'Rafizi's decision is unhealthy; it is a political emotional reaction. While it may be due to issues of integrity or loyalty to the party, the timing is not right, especially when we are facing a trade war. Therefore, it is worth considering technocrats, prioritising quality and performance,' he said.
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