Speed up Cabinet reshuffling process, no need to wait until January

SHAH ALAM - Cabinet restructuring is deemed necessary and should be implemented immediately, considering the vacancy in the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry post.

Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Professor Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said the cabinet restructuring should be done immediately and did not have to wait until January.

However, he said this was within the absolute authority of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and could be carried out at any time.

"Two days ago was the one-year anniversary of the Prime Minister's administration. This means that he can now assess those with high, moderate or underwhelming performance and changes can be made accordingly.

"The Cabinet includes both experienced members and those joining for the first time and forming a team aligned with Anwar's policies is a reasonable step," he told Sinar on Sunday.

Recently, rumours about a Cabinet reshuffle have circulated following the death of Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub on July 23.

On Nov 22, in the 'Keluar Sekejap' podcast, former Umno information chief Shahril Sufian Hamdan and former Umno youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin predicted that the reshuffle might occur in January, next year.

Sivamurugan emphasised that the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry was crucial ministry as it involved the well-being of the people.

"A reshuffle doesn't necessarily mean removal, existing ministers may switch portfolios, for example, from one ministry to another.

"Regarding appointments, we must acknowledge that the current government is a coalition involving multiple parties.

"Certainly, the Prime Minister will consider the positions and views suggested by coalition members in the case of new appointments," he said.