Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced a cabinet reshuffle on Tuesday, appointing new trade and economic ministers in a move aimed at stabilising his administration and filling vacancies created by recent resignations and the expiry of senate terms.

The reshuffle comes as Malaysia continues to record steady economic growth and rising foreign investment since Anwar took office in November 2022. However, his government has also faced internal disagreements within the cabinet and growing public dissatisfaction over the rising cost of living.

Speaking in a televised address, Anwar said the changes were necessary to ensure better coordination within the government. “There is a need for an adjustment so that the cabinet can work as a team, focus on generating better economic growth and addressing the people’s problems,” he said.

The prime minister last carried out major cabinet changes in December 2023, following a dip in opinion polls amid concerns over inflation, economic pressures, and the slow pace of promised reforms.

As part of the reshuffle, Anwar appointed Johari Abdul Ghani, formerly the plantations and commodities minister, as the new trade minister. Johari replaces Tengku Zafrul Aziz, who had led Malaysia’s trade negotiations with the United States on tariff issues. Malaysia and the United States signed an agreement in October that maintained U.S. tariffs on most Malaysian goods at 19 percent. Tengku Zafrul’s senatorship expired on December 2, after which he was appointed chairman of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority.

Anwar also named Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir as economy minister and Arthur Joseph Kurup as minister for natural resources and environmental sustainability. They replace Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who resigned in May after losing leadership positions within Anwar’s party.

Further changes were announced to the posts of deputy finance minister, as well as ministers responsible for human resources, federal territories, and sports. Key portfolios, including defence, foreign affairs, and home affairs, remained unchanged.

Malaysia’s cabinet is composed of elected lawmakers from both houses of parliament, along with appointed senators in the upper house.

Political analysts say the cabinet changes could mark a turning point for Anwar’s government ahead of the next general election, which must be held by early 2028. The reshuffle follows a setback for Anwar’s coalition in last month’s Sabah state election, the first in a series of regional polls that will test public support for the prime minister in the run-up to national elections. (ILKHA)