Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad returns as Health Minister

SHAH ALAM - Former Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad was reappointed to the role today in a reshuffle of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's Cabinet.

This move replaces Dr Zaliha Mustafa, who had served as Health Minister for just over a year.

Dzulkefly's background and expertise

Dr Dzulkefly, a three-term MP for Kuala Selangor and the Amanah strategy director, previously held the position of Health Minister for nearly two years in Pakatan Harapan (PH)'s administration under Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He brings a strong background in public health to the role, with a focus on environmental toxicology.

While not a medical doctor himself, Dr Dzulkefly's expertise is highly relevant to the health sector.

Dr Zaliha's tenure and new appointment

Dr Zaliha, who became Malaysia's first female Health Minister and represents the Sekijang constituency for PKR, will now assume the role of Federal Territories Minister.

During her brief tenure as Health Minister, she made one of her most significant policy decisions by removing liquid and gel nicotine from the list of scheduled poisons under the Poisons Act 1952.

This move, which went against the advice of the independent Poisons Board, triggered controversy and a lawsuit from anti-tobacco groups.

Continuity and change in the Health Ministry

While Dr Dzulkefly's return to the Health Ministry marks a significant change in leadership, Lukanisman Awang Sauni, a second-term MP from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), will remain as Deputy Health Minister, ensuring some continuity within the ministry.