SHAH ALAM – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is unlikely to carry out a Cabinet reshuffle anytime soon, despite speculation following DAP's recent central executive committee (CEC) election.
Shah Alam MP Azli Yusof said at the moment, there was no information regarding any potential changes to the Cabinet lineup.
"Personally, I do not see the necessity for the Prime Minister to do so, as the Madani Government machinery is currently functioning well.
"Moreover, PKR will hold its leadership election in May, which includes the contest for the Presidential seat.
"However, I do not rule out the possibility of a minor reshuffle, as the Prime Minister must appoint a successor to Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, whose Senate term ends in December," he told Sinar.
He said this in response to speculation that Anwar might carry out a minor Cabinet reshuffle after DAP's CEC election, where several leaders either lost or chose not to contest.
Among them was Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, daughter of party veteran Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang, who secured only 1,573 votes, placing 31st out of 64 candidates.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran chose not to contest in the CEC election to make way for younger leaders.
These developments have fuelled speculation that Hui Ying and Kulasegaran might be replaced in a minor Cabinet reshuffle expected to be announced soon.
However, newly appointed DAP deputy secretary-general Steven Sim said the decision rests with the Prime Minister and the party's secretary-general Anthony Loke.
Rumours of a Cabinet reshuffle intensified after former Bangi MP Dr Ong Kian Ming revealed in a Chinese language podcast that the party might have the opportunity to replace ministers and deputy ministers in December, once Tengku Zafrul's tenure as senator ends.
Nevertheless, Loke previously emphasised that the CEC election would not affect the positions of any DAP ministers or deputy ministers.
As of now, no official announcements have been made, but speculation continues to be a hot topic in the country's political landscape.