KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has insisted that there is “no honeymoon period” for all cabinet members, old and new.
On Facebook, the Pakatan Harapan chairman welcomed newly elected ministers to the first cabinet meeting this morning following the reshuffle he announced yesterday.
Among those welcomed into the cabinet were Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Ghani, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.
Emphasising the urgency of their responsibilities, Anwar underscored the importance of addressing the people’s issues without delay and urged the new cabinet ministers to promptly engage in resolving pressing matters within their respective portfolios.
“I gave them the message that their focus and priority must be directed and fast in the effort to translate the hopes and aspirations of the people.
“We need to put an end to poverty, master important fields, drive economic growth and assure the nation’s prosperity.
Anwar said that the meeting also saw gratitude being expressed to former human resources minister V. Sivakumar for his contribution during his tenure in the portfolio.
Yesterday, Anwar announced a cabinet reshuffle, introducing the five new ministers and dropping Sivakumar from the fold.
Speculation about the cabinet reshuffle gained momentum after the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry portfolio was vacant after the death of Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub on July 23.
The new line-up sees a total of 31 ministers, up from 28 previously, and 29 deputies, two more than previously.
In total, there are 60 ministers and deputies, 10 less than in the previous administration. – December 13, 2023