PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced several changes in the federal cabinet line-up.
He said the decision was made after discussing with leaders of parties in the unity government.
"After fulfilling our duties as best as we could in one year (in the government), we are now trying to bring about a bit of adjustments and changes.
"The situation has changed, not only based on the past performance, but also the economic development, people's issues including cost of living that must be addressed, as well as reception at the international level that places changes to foreign ministry's duty," he said in a press conference at the Prime Minister's Office.
He said issues in education and higher education, as well as the government's efforts in exploring new fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation prompted him to rethink and make necessary adjustments based on the current needs.
He said the swearing-in at the Istana Negara only involved new ministers and deputies.
"If (the cabinet) performs well and that there is no outside pressure, or new problems such as digital (issues), I don't think there is a need to make any more changes (in the line-up) for the next four years."
The revamped cabinet sees the creation of ministries, namely, Energy Transition and Public Utilities; and Natural Resources and Sustainability.
Meanwhile, the Communications and Digital Ministry has been split into two.
"Communications; media and social media pose their own challenges.
"The criticism levelled at us (includes) communication and information dissemination were not satisfactory despite having some good policies, so there is a need to focus.
"Issues on digital transformation have been the government's main focus and must be managed well."
Among them are challenges in the ever-changing digital sector, central database, AI and students' comprehension in education of all levels, he said.
Among the new faces are Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah as second finance minister and Dr Zulkifli Hasan as deputy minister at the Prime Minister's Department (religious affairs).
Amir, who is chief executive officer of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Zulkifli, who is Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia Syariah and Law Faculty dean have earlier this morning sworn in as Senators at the Dewan Negara.
V. Sivakumar, who held the human resources portfolio, is the only minister dropped from the cabinet.
Ramkarpal Singh (previously deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department) and Datuk Seri Aminah (deputy Plantation and Commodities minister) were also dropped.
New ministers are Datuk Seri Johari Ghani (plantation and commodity), Gobind Singh Deo (digital), while Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad made a return as the health minister.
Also announced as deputy ministers are Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad, M. Kulasegaran V. Murugeson, Datuk Ramanan Ramakrishnan, Wong Kah Woh.
The new line-up would see the full cabinet members increased from 55 to 60 people, with 31 ministers (from 29) and 29 deputies (from 27).
Today's announcement put to rest rumours on cabinet reshuffling as the Madani government celebrates its first year anniversary in administration.
It came after months of speculation about Anwar's administration, with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living minister's position left vacant following the passing of Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub in July.
