Cabinet reshuffle: Anwar remains coy

PUTRAJAYA - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has refused to confirm whether there will be a Cabinet reshuffle in the near future.

"January? "Why is it January and not December?" he responded to reporters who approached him on Thursday during the Unity government's Majlis Kesyukuran (thanksgiving ceremony) to commemorate the government's one year in office.

Recently, rumours were rife about a possible Cabinet reshuffle, especially after the position of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister fell vacant following the death of Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub on July 23.

"Also, not to forget the long-awaited appointment of the Second Finance Minister," Anwar said in response to a prediction made during the Keluar Sekejap podcast programme on Wednesday that there would be a Cabinet reshuffle in January next year.

When asked about the performance of Cabinet ministers after a year of ruling the Unity Government, Anwar expressed confidence in them; however, at the same time, he admitted that there were still many things that could be improved in the future.

"Alhamdulillah, we are doing our best as a whole team, and God willing, we will improve our shortcomings, and with new strength, we will jump higher," he said.

The Tambun member of parliament was sworn in as Prime Minister on November 24 last year, five days after the 15th General Election.

He then announced the appointment of two Deputy Prime Ministers as well as 28 members of the Cabinet in the Unity Government on Dec 2 of the same year. - Awani