THE cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today is not just to fill vacant positions but is aimed at strengthening the government’s administration and work flow, Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof said.

The appointment of new faces, the setting up of new ministries, the re-organising of duties in existing ministries and change in portfolios are capable of driving the various plans and agendas of the Madani government for the good of the people, he added.

“The prime minister prioritised national interests and political stability in his considerations to reshuffle the cabinet.

“This is very important as we are driving and strengthening the economy, its main foundations being incoming investors and political stability,” he said in a statement after the reshuffle was announced today.

Fadilllah believed the prime minister had assessed the suitability of every minister with the portfolio entrusted to them carefully, based on their respective expertise, after having observed them throughout the first year of the government’s administration.

He also extended his gratitude to the prime minister for entrusting him with the position of deputy prime minister and allowing him to helm a new ministry, the Energy Transition and Public Utilities Ministry and as Sabah and Sarawak Affairs minister.

He said throughout his one year with the Plantations and Commodities Ministry, and two previous terms at the Works Ministry, he had promised himself that he would do his best in carrying out the duties entrusted to him and that he would do the same in his new positions.

On Sabah and Sarawak affairs, he will prioritise efforts to settle unresolved issues and to place the Malaysia Agreement 1963 in its proper place to close the physical, economic and social gaps between Sarawak and Sabah with Peninsular Malaysia.

He also conveyed his thanks and appreciation to the Plantations and Commodities Ministry’s top management and staff for the best cooperation and full commitment shown during his time at the ministry.

“Please extend my replacement Johari Abdul Ghani such similar cooperation,” he said, as he invited the newly announced cabinet line-up to continue to focus on working for the people and the country to strengthen the bonds of unity in the Madani government and take on future challenges.

Corporate figure Mohamad Salim Fateh, meanwhile, said the appointment of Amir, the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) chief executive, was consistent with Anwar’s emphasis on integrity and good governance.

“He is the right man to manage the nation’s coffers.

“He has the experience in looking after people’s money at EPF and understands investments.

“He will not take unnecessary risks and will ensure every sen of the people’s money is accounted for,” Salim said.

Amir, 56, who was sworn in as a senator this morning, joined EPF in March 2021 and led the country’s retirement fund to record a 5.35% dividend last year.

Salim, who is also Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission chairman, added that Anwar made the right call in appointing a non-politician as finance minister II.

“The combination of the prime minister who is also finance minister and Amir as finance minister II is good for the economy as it sends the right message to investors,” he said. – Bernama, December 12, 2023.