'Cabinet reshuffle may boost government's effectiveness, but also spark party disputes'

SHAH ALAM - The expected cabinet reshuffle is seen to have both positive and negative effects on the country, according to an expert.

Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Political Science senior lecturer Mujibu Abd Muis said that the move would allow the government to reorganise the Cabinet's roles to make it more effective in carrying out its tasks.

"This is because there have been complaints from the people that the government needs to work harder.

"Many things need to be resolved, and delivery needs to be faster. This requires strong leadership from the ministers," he told Sinar on Monday.

However, Mujibu also said that a cabinet reshuffle could have negative effects such as party disputes if certain names were dropped or if there were changes in ministerial portfolios.

"If big names are dropped or if specific individuals are nominated to fill cabinet positions, such as the Second Finance Minister or Federal Territories Minister, this could cause internal party wars," he said.

Mujibu also said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim might face the challenge of identifying suitable and capable individuals to hold ministerial portfolios.

"Secondly, if there is a split in the ministry or a need to create new ministers, which may enlarge the size of the Cabinet, the Prime Minister will need to provide a strong justification for this decision.

"This is because it will certainly invite criticism, especially since the Prime Minister has committed to not increasing the size of the cabinet while there is pressure from the party to request ministerial portfolios," he said.