PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in my opinion, made several unexpected announcements through the list of Cabinet reshuffles announced earlier today.

While some matters could be anticipated (or hoped for), the reality is that it is not easy to anticipate the thoughts and strategies implemented by Anwar through this Cabinet reshuffle.

Here are seven things that I consider "unexpected" based on my observations as a journalist.

1. Splitting two ministries into four ministries

The creation of four new ministries, from the division of two existing ones, reflects the Prime Minister's conviction that these sectors warrant a more profound focus.

These comprise the Ministry of Energy Transition and Public Utilities, as well as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Sustainability, stemming from the restructuring of the Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change (NRECC).

Additionally, there's the establishment of the Ministry of Communication and the Ministry of Digital, both arising from the split of the Ministry of Communication and Digital.

However, what captivates my attention is observing the strategic initiatives of Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof as he charts the course for the success of the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) moving forward.

In my perspective, the groundwork laid by Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad should serve as a foundation for Fadillah to excel in spearheading the energy transition and climate change agenda.

2. Appointment of Amir Hamzah Azizan as Minister of Finance II

Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah is a familiar name in the corporate world. His position as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) with a total investment fund of RM1.1 trillion as of August 2023, along with his experience as the President and CEO of Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), proves his credibility to handle financial and economic issues for the country.

He assumes a pivotal role as Anwar's right-hand man in his capacity as Minister of Finance I, with key priorities encompassing the restoration of investor confidence in Malaysia and the endeavor to stabilize the value of the ringgit at a more reasonable level relative to other major currencies.

3. Two former ministers return as deputy ministers

Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad, also serving as the Chief of UMNO Women, assumes the role of Deputy Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development. Formerly holding the position of Minister of Higher Education in Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's Cabinet formed on March 10, 2020, she resigned on August 6, 2021, following UMNO's withdrawal of support for the Muhyiddin government. In my view, Noraini's current appointment signifies recognition for UMNO Women and a concerted effort to enhance its influence within the administration.

In a similar vein, M Kulasegaran, a former minister who previously held the portfolio of Minister of Human Resources in Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad's Cabinet, now reenters the administration as the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform).

4. Former Deputy Minister of Finance II promoted to full minister

Steven Sim is revealed as the new Minister of Human Resources, as V. Sivakumar became the sole minister omitted from the lineup. This announcement not only positions Steven, presently the DAP National Organising Secretary, on a path to emerge as a more prominent political figure within the party's leadership.

5. Former Deputy Minister of Finance I changes portfolio to Ministry of Works

Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, considered a seasoned figure, and was around since the tenure of Datuk Seri Najib Razak, has been redesignated as the Deputy Minister of Works. This shift signals the absence of a UMNO representative in the Ministry of Finance. Ahmad is renowned for orchestrating impactful stunts, and undoubtedly, his initiatives within the Ministry of Works will soon be a focal point for journalists in the times ahead.

6. Ramanan, who defeated KJ in Sungai Buloh, is now Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives

Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan is one of the new figures in the country's political arena. Anwar's decision to appoint him as Deputy Minister is seen as a proactive step by the government to ensure the inclusion and active participation of the Indian community in the country's mainstream. Reflecting on the election outcomes in six states a few months ago, there is a clear need to undertake measures to regain full support from the Indian community for the Pakatan Harapan coalition. During the last state elections, Indian community votes for PH declined by 21%, 19%, and 12% in Negeri Sembilan, Penang, and Selangor, respectively.

7. Johari Ghani expected to be Deputy Prime Minister but placed in the Ministry of Agriculture and Commodities

Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, who was previously part of the Najib Razak’s Cabinet during Najib's administration as Finance Minister II, is now appointed as the Minister of Agriculture and Commodities.

While this might have surprised many observers, the appointment underscores the necessity of leveraging his experience as an esteemed corporate figure and media mogul. His expertise is now crucial to propel the country's agriculture sector forward amidst global challenges, including market uncertainties, international standard compliance, and the persistent efforts of lobbyists seeking to undermine the sector's image.


*Shafizan Johari is the Editor of the Multiplatform News Innovation Initiative at Astro AWANI and a history scholar at the Department of History, University of Malaya.

**This article represents the personal views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Astro AWANI editorial board.