PM: No urgency for cabinet reshuffle, Zafrul to stay as minister

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stated there is no urgency to carry out a cabinet reshuffle following the resignation of two PKR ministers and the defection of an Umno minister to another party.

He said the government remains functional despite the recent events.

“There is no urgency for a reshuffle now. Two ministers have resigned, (and) we’re giving them time to reflect on what they want to do.

“Now they are on leave. I already approved their leave. I don’t think we should preempt,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Anwar said the cabinet continues to operate as usual and that temporary arrangements will be made to ensure continuity in governance.

Last week, PKR’s Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad resigned from their roles as economy minister and natural resources and environmental sustainability minister, respectively.

Meanwhile, Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, who serves as investment, trade, and industry minister, left Umno to join PKR, a move that has strained relations between the two parties.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has insisted that the party’s allocation of seven ministerial posts be maintained.

However, Anwar indicated that he will be keeping Zafrul in the cabinet.

“Zafrul is a minister who has carried out his responsibilities very well. Our investments amount to hundreds of billions, many of which have been handled through his efforts.

“So, his position as minister is not affected, and we want him to continue his duties as his performance has been good, and the country needs his contribution,” he said.

Zafrul’s application to join PKR, meanwhile, has not been discussed as of yet, Anwar said.

“He (Zafrul) has opted to apply (to join PKR). We haven’t discussed anything yet… let him complete his haj pilgrimage first, and let’s not jump to unhealthy conclusions.

“When someone makes a decision, we respect it. So, on behalf of PKR, of course, we will need to discuss it with our fellow government coalition parties and decide what’s best,” he said

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