Kuala lumpur: The recent Cabinet reshuffle was a deliberate move towards leadership regeneration, placing greater emphasis on younger leaders while ensuring political stability within the unity government. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that several newly appointed ministers and deputy ministers were from the second and third generation of leadership, mostly in their 30s and 40s, with some even younger.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar highlighted figures such as Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, and Datuk Sri Arthur Joseph Kurup as examples of relatively younger appointees. He expressed the need to project this new generation of leaders, acknowledging the initial focus on fortifying the coalition but now feeling confident to give young leaders their chance.
Yesterday, Anwar announced a Cabinet reshuffle involving 28 ministers and deputy ministers, which included portfolio changes and new appointments as part of a restructuring effort to strengthen administrative efficiency and ensure more effective implementation of government policies. Anwar remarked that the first Cabinet meeting post-reshuffle acknowledged both governmental weaknesses and the growing public expectations for improvement.
Anwar also stated his desire for the new Cabinet members to improve their performance, aligning with public expectations for faster and more effective reforms. He mentioned the importance of listening to the people and addressing reasonable concerns, advising ministers to project a courteous image and strive for better performance.
Commenting on the omission of a few senior ministers from his newly formed Cabinet, Anwar said it was time for them to serve in other capacities, acknowledging their contributions during their tenure. He also defended the appointment of Hannah Yeoh as Minister of Federal Territories, emphasizing the need for public service to function for all races.
When asked about the possibility of calling a general election next year, Anwar indicated that it was not a current priority. He emphasized the focus on continuing reforms and addressing issues such as the higher cost of living, with these being the main priorities for the upcoming year.