KUALA LUMPUR – Standing by the party president and decade-long familial ties were the key factors for both Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek being retained in their respective positions following the recently concluded cabinet reshuffle, according to PKR insiders.
Despite much pressure by various quarters to either drop or switch the duo’s respective portfolios prior to the reshuffle, party members say PKR president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s decision to “merely shift the chess board” for PKR cabinet members was mainly to maintain the stability of the party and the running of the government.
According to a party insider who spoke on the condition of anonymity, Anwar’s decision to retain Saifuddin was a straightforward move, given his long association with the latter from the “Reformasi” days.
“Since the Reformasi period between 1997 and 1998, many have stood by the party president (Anwar), taking to the streets with him, supporting him, and helping him form Parti Keadilan Nasional (PKN), which then evolved into PKR in 1999.
“Twenty-four years on, Saifuddin is one of the few who have remained with Anwar. Through thick and thin, losing and winning seats, whether for public office or party office, Saifuddin has always been a loyal soldier to the party president,” the insider said.
The insider said while many, including those within the party, were unsatisfied with Saifuddin’s performance as home minister, citing several decisions that seemed to stray from the objective of Reformasi, his position will remain secure throughout Anwar’s tenure as prime minister.
“Party members, myself included, knew that despite rumours involving his name having surfaced, Saifuddin would not have been considered to be dropped.
“He would have been considered for a switch in portfolio, perhaps back to his past ministry, but never the drop,” the insider added.
Saifuddin is currently serving as the party’s secretary-general, a position he has been appointed to by the party president throughout the recent terms in the party.
Having recently turned 60 last week, Saifuddin has endured a chequered political career throughout his tenure in PKR. He first won the Lunas by-election in 2000 and attempted to win the Padang Serai parliamentary seat, which he failed to do on two occasions in 1999 and 2004.
During the Pakatan Rakyat period, Saifuddin finally tasted victory again, winning the Machang parliamentary seat in PAS-administered Kelantan back in 2008.
He then switched to the Kulim-Bandar Baharu constituency, losing on the first occasion in 2013 before bouncing back to victory in 2018. At the same time, he also won the Pantai Jerejak state seat in 2018, making him a parliamentarian and state assemblyman during the same period. He also served as domestic trade and consumer affairs minister during the Pakatan Harapan administration.
However, during the 15th general election, Saifuddin opted not to defend the state seat and failed to retain his parliamentary constituency. He was subsequently appointed as a senator prior to his current appointment as home minister.
On the other hand, another party insider who is also a division leader said Fadhlina’s position was more or less in a precarious position prior to the reshuffle but was eventually retained due to the Abim (Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia) factor.
“Many feel that she seems to be too ‘emotional’ in running her ministry. The non-Malay members also sensed that she is out of touch with reaching out to Chinese and Tamil schools as opposed to national and agama schools, which she is seen pandering more towards.
“It’s not surprising that she slants towards agama schools given her educational background as an agama school student in addition to being a sharie lawyer prior to her political career.
“It’s not wrong at all, but she should be seen as a minister serving all school types.
“Her (then) deputy Lim Hui Ying was doing a much better job in that sense, and it is disappointing because, like DAP, PKR is also a multiracial party.”
The PKR division leader who spoke on the condition of anonymity said Fadhlina was likely retained by Anwar due to two factors that tie together, namely Abim and his close ties to her late father, Prof Datuk Siddiq Fadzil.
Both Anwar and Siddiq were the second and third presidents of Abim, respectively, and were said to have been very close during their university years and later in life.
“Prior to her being given the Nibong Tebal seat in 2022, Fadhlina was also given senatorship in 2021 through nomination by the Penang state assembly.
“Her father passed away on August 31, 2021, and she was appointed as senator the very next day.
“She only joined the party in 2020 and became PKR Women chief and minister in less than two years.
“It’s a phenomenal rise, but how does that reflect on other party members who have been toiling for years?
“I just feel there is some sentiment, belief, or instinct for the president (Anwar) to retain her.”
The division leader said in the end, while he respects Anwar’s decision and prerogative as prime minister, both Fadhlina and Saifuddin being retained is an indication PKR should remain stable as it is at present.
“Imagine removing two of your main office holders in the party from cabinet posts. That would trigger instability. As the saying goes, ‘do not rock the boat’,” the division leader added.
On Tuesday, Anwar announced the much-anticipated cabinet reshuffle, naming five new ministers, with one dropped from his portfolio. Five new deputies were also named, with two dropped.
No PKR ministers or deputy ministers were dropped from the cabinet line-up, with an additional PKR MP, Sg Buloh’s R. Ramanan, being appointed deputy entrepreneur and cooperatives development minister.
Including Anwar, PKR ministers in the cabinet number at eight, while six are presently deputy ministers. – December 14, 2023