Talks about Cabinet reshuffle necessary to evaluate contemporary demand

SHAH ALAM - Every political gimmick, satire and rhetoric has a reason, no matter how ridiculous it is, says Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Institute of Ethnic Studies deputy director professor Dr Kartini Aboo Talib.

Thus, the political expert said testing the people's reactions towards certain moves to be made by the government like a Cabinet reshuffle was necessary to evaluate the contemporary demand.

This, she said also affirmed the unity of the coalition in a unity government.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said there will be no announcement of a Cabinet reshuffle yet despite rumours that he was expected to make an announcement on the matter tomorrow.

“This situation is a bit confusing. If there is a Cabinet reshuffle, it should be done wisely and only if necessary.

"It should also be targeted. Once again, reshuffling the Cabinet has consequences, particularly regarding the stability of the unity government," Kartini said commenting on the matter.

She said if the announcement of the matter was cancelled, prominent leaders especially the Prime Minister may rethink and recalculate the unintended impact.

It was important to deliberate and be cautious, she added.

Meanwhile, Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Dr Oh Ei Sun said it was possible for a Cabinet reshuffle to actually happen soon in conjunction with the 2024 Budget announcement.

He said Anwar needed time to coordinate among various component parties of the ruling coalition before making such an announcement.

"At the very least, he (Anwar) needs to fill the vacancy for the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry,” Oh said.

Earlier, a report stated that the Prime Minister was expected to announce a Cabinet reshuffle tomorrow nearly 11 months after the formation of the unity government.

However, in a brief response to reporters later, he said no announcement would be made yet on the matter.