PUTRAJAYA – There may be a reshuffle of the cabinet soon under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Zahid said one of the reasons is to head the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living portfolio following Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub’s death.
“Probably there is (reshuffle). I think it will be soon,” he told the media after attending the Special Putrajaya Umno leadership gathering here today.
Asked on rumours that he will be appointed to head the Home Ministry following the reshuffle, Zahid said he was prepared to shoulder any responsibility entrusted to him.
“I also saw such a poster but the prime minister has not told me yet. Actually I am prepared to serve any ministry, the important thing is that the cabinet reaches a consensus.
“Even though I am holding the Rural and Regional Development portfolio, I am at the same time heading several cabinet-level committees and task forces which involve various ministries and I am bearing such responsibilities in the interest of the existing unity government.”
He added that as Umno president and Barisan Nasional chairman. he hoped the Federal Territory Ministry would be created again in the latest cabinet reshuffle.
The Bagan Datuk MP was appointed as home minister from 2013 to 2018 under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Meanwhile, Zahid said he has decided to visit all 191 Umno divisions nationwide, to cover issues related to party affairs, including current issues involving legislation, politics and so on.
“It is important that they (Umno members) themselves come and listen to explanations from me and the team who explain the political aspects, legal aspects and some other issues, because we know that communication through a non-verbal approach is very, very important, more importantly if there is a personal touch through oral communication by the top leaders of the organisation.”
Zahid said he was committed to meeting Umno members in every division via the conservative approach even though the tour would take a long time. – October 1, 2023