POLITICAL observers and veteran politicians were at odds over speculations of a cabinet reshuffle, as some believe it was an unnecessary measure.

While some said it was Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s prerogative, one told The Malaysian Insight Anwar should revamp the country’s political scenario instead.

Speculations about an impending cabinet reshuffle have been widely reported in local media recently, but Anwar has dismissed such talk, saying he had yet to decide on the matter.

However, rumours remained rampant.

University Malaya’s Prof Awang Azman Awang Pawi said a reshuffle was not urgent.

He said if Anwar wants to replace some of his ministers, it should take place after the Budget 2024 tabling on October 13.

The academic said it was strange for Anwar to rejig the cabinet when the Pelangai by-election would be held on Saturday.

“I don’t see the need for him to do this. A by-election is happening, he should at least wait for the result, even if it is not that significant.

“Secondly, next week is the tabling of Budget 2024, so for me (timing) is a bit off. He and other ministers should all focus on the budget,” he said.

Awang Azman said the speculations started after the death of domestic trade and cost of living minister Salahuddin Ayub in July, which meant Anwar had to find a replacement.

“There were a few names mooted but nothing was finalised, and then suddenly all this lobbying started from certain quarters,” he said.

Hisomuddin Bakar of Ilham Centre agreed the rumours started with Salahuddin’s death, followed by the government’s failures in addressing the shortage of food supplies and rising costs of living.

He said Anwar should change his lineup after the new Yang di-Pertuan Agong is appointed, which would come early next year.

“People are unhappy with the shortage of rice, sugar and eggs, causing them to express their unhappiness on social media and call for some ministers to be replaced.

“Although it is Anwar’s prerogative, if the changes happen, it shows there is pressure from within his government.

“If changes happen, it should be after a new king takes over,” Hisomuddin said.

Address shortcomings

On Tuesday, MCA urged sweeping changes in the cabinet, including for Anwar to give up the finance portfolio or appoint a second finance minister, so he could fully focus on leading the nation.

MCA spokesman Mike Chong Yew Chuan suggested Anwar remove Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli and Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu over their failure to perform their duties.

He said Anwar must do this immediately as the public has been burdened by rising living costs and stagnant wages while the government lacked clear direction for the economy.

Former Penang deputy chief minister P. Ramasamy meanwhile said the country needed a political and economic revamp.

He said postponing the reshuffle might not have a serious effect on the nation, but it would definitely indicate the government’s priorities were not right.

“Anwar has been in office for nearly 11 months. He might be saying all the right things to get the attention of the West, but on the home front he is a disappointment,” said the former DAP member.

Ramasamy said a reshuffle was not going to shake the government, but it might address some of its shortcomings, especially poorly performing members.

A former PKR leader, who wished to remain anonymous, said Anwar might have to rejig his cabinet for the administration’s survival.

“He is the first prime minister who did not enjoy majority support from his own party members or coalition. Other party leaders backed him as PM.

“He needs the confidence of his MPs. He may need the reshuffle to ensure the government’s agenda improves, as well as to ensure the survival of the (administration),” he said. – October 6, 2023.