PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim must be given time to pick the right candidate for the post of domestic trade and cost of living minister, following the death of Salahuddin Ayub in July, observers said.

On speculations over a cabinet reshuffle after the death of the Amanah minister, they said it was crucial the candidate for the post be carefully considered as the portfolio was an important one.

Universiti Malaya’s Awang Azman Awang Pawi said Anwar has no shortage of professionals for the role from any of the parties in the unity government.

“He must be given time to make the announcement,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Last month, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi indicated there would be a cabinet reshuffle.

Awang Azman said so far the cabinet with new faces has been performing.

“Each one of them has their own experience and expertise. Some are experienced and some new. They have to be given time.”

As for talk of reshuffling the cabinet, Awang Azman said it must be given more than one year before any changes can be made.

“To be fair, if there are any changes, it should take place next year.”

He added that any major changes to the cabinet won’t affect economic issues that are affecting the people as they are a global problem.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia lecturer Dr Mazlan Ali said there are many potential leaders in Amanah who could take up the post.

“We don’t know what’s delaying the process of appointing a new minister,” Mazlan said.

“Maybe it’s difficult to find a (suitable) candidate who can be on par and continue the legacy of the former minister.”

On the performance of the cabinet today, he said Anwar was doing a good job but should put more trust in his team.

“His (Anwar) cabinet must appear strong, united and ready to assist him as prime minister.

“Issues related to the cost of living, price of goods, which are linked to the ministry, should be managed effectively.

“The opposition must not be given any room to criticise the government on this matter.”

He said a cabinet reshuffle could improve the quality of his administration, with either new candidates or existing members retaining their portfolios.

International Islamic University of Malaysia’s Tunku Mohar Tunku Mohd Mokhtar said Anwar should look into naming a new minister.

“Even if he doesn’t agree with Amanah’s nomination, he should explain why he would want someone else for the post.

“It may be his strategy to not name it (his selection) yet, but it has now become an issue used by his detractors to show he is indecisive.”

As for the cabinet reshuffle, Tunku Mohar said it has been a mixed performance in general, where the results cannot yet be assessed as changes are taking place.

“However, some people expect changes to take place overnight, and this is the reason why the government’s communication channels should explain the changes that are taking place and why some reforms are slower than expected.”

He said ministers should show that they can perform better and address the people’s concerns.

“It is important to assure the people that some of the policies they have introduced will bring about positive changes before too long.”

He also added that if underperforming ministers are replaced with better ones, that would improve Anwar’s administration. – November 8, 2023.