Cabinet Reshuffle Reflects MADANI Govt’s Drive To Strengthen National Unity

By Norhayati Mohd Akhir

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- The Cabinet reshuffle announced today by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reflects the MADANI Government’s aspiration to further strengthen national unity in addressing the country’s current challenges.

Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) deputy vice-chancellor (Academic and International) Prof Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani said the appointments, including the filling of ministerial posts by representatives from Sabah and Sarawak, also demonstrated the government’s commitment to strengthening regional representation and ensuring the voices of all Federal components are represented in the country’s governance.

“This not only refreshes the Cabinet line-up, it also sends a clear signal that the MADANI government takes the need to strengthen national unity through regional inclusivity seriously, particularly involving Sabah and Sarawak,” he told Bernama when contacted today.

The Prime Minister today announced a MADANI government Cabinet reshuffle involving 28 ministers and deputy ministers, encompassing portfolio changes and new appointments as part of a restructuring effort to enhance administrative efficiency and ensure more effective implementation of government policies.

Anwar announced six deputy ministers and several portfolio changes, including the appointment of Deputy Minister of Higher Education Datuk Mustafa Sakmud as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak).

Mohd Azizuddin said the appointment of new faces, including ministers from Sabah and Sarawak, sends a clear signal that the government takes regional inclusivity into account in policy formulation and the direction of national administration.

“The creation of a dedicated Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak) post reflects the government’s recognition of the strategic role of both regions within the Federation, while also strengthening ties between the Federal Government and Sabah and Sarawak.

“Meanwhile, portfolio changes provide space for new ideas and approaches to further strengthen the MADANI government agenda. It also offers opportunities for new faces to gain experience and leadership preparation ahead of the next general election,” he said.

He added that portfolio changes among Cabinet ministers also allow for a reassessment of leadership capabilities, while enabling ministers to leverage their respective expertise more effectively in line with current administrative needs.

At the same time, Mohd Azizuddin expressed hope that the new Cabinet line-up, particularly those involved in portfolio changes and new appointments, would strengthen governance, accelerate the implementation of development projects and intensify efforts to attract high-quality foreign investments.

“Increased foreign investment inflows are important to create more job opportunities, raise people’s incomes and support sustainable economic growth,” he said.

From a political perspective, he said the reshuffle is also seen as a strategic move by the government to ensure administrative readiness for the next phase of its term, including in facing increasingly complex political and global economic challenges.

He did not rule out the possibility that this reshuffle could be the final one for the MADANI government, which appears to have clear and structured objectives, not merely to fill ministerial vacancies, but to strengthen stability, governance effectiveness and public confidence in the government.

The first Cabinet reshuffle of Anwar’s Unity Government was implemented in December 2023.

-- BERNAMA