KUALA LUMPUR, December 12 — Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced a significant Cabinet reshuffle, introducing new faces and restructuring portfolios. Among the notable changes, Amir Hamzah Azizan, CEO of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), was appointed as the second finance minister, replacing UMNO veteran Johari Abdul Ghani. Dzulkefly Ahmad, a Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) politician and former health minister under the Pakatan Harapan administration, will resume the post of health minister.
The reshuffle, marking Anwar’s first leadership change since taking office a year ago, also included Armizan Mohd Ali as the new Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, succeeding the late Dr. Salahuddin Ayub. Steven Sim, a Democratic Action Party (DAP) lawmaker, was promoted to the Minister of Human Resources, while the Communications and Digital Ministry will be split between Gobind Singh and Fahmi Fadzil. Anwar has consolidated power over the past year, but his approval ratings have faced challenges, particularly concerning economic concerns and the cost of living.
The swearing-in ceremony for the new federal ministers is scheduled at the Istana Negara, at 2.30 pm, emphasizing Anwar’s commitment to strengthening and adapting his administration to address current challenges effectively. Alongside taking the oath of office, ministers will pledge loyalty and secrecy. The ceremony will also include the awarding of their respective letters of appointment.
