KUALA LUMPUR – There is no urgent need for the unity government to initiate a cabinet reshuffle in the near future, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Despite the current vacancy involving the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, Anwar opined that the management of the ministry has been handled well by its acting minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
“I have asked Armizan and (deputy minister) Fuziah (Salleh) to pay more attention (regarding the ministry),” he told the press during the 60th anniversary celebrations of Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) at Menara TH, here, today.
The latest comments from the prime minister come following reports that he was preparing to reshuffle the cabinet soon, along with the chief secretary of the government, bureaucrats, civil servants and members within his own office.
Rumours of a cabinet reshuffle emerged after the vacancy involving the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry after the passing of its then-minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub on July 23.
Meanwhile, Anwar also announced that the Finance Ministry will be handing over TH assets towards a special-purpose vehicle (SPV).
The decision, he said, was made as the management of TH’s board has recovered and is being managed well.
“I have followed their progress, I have said from the beginning when I took over this position, as soon as TH is seen as well managed and is convincing, (congratulations to them), then the Finance Ministry will start discussions to hand over all the assets that are now entrusted to the SPV.
“When I look at public confidence, efficient management, integrity and trustworthiness, there is no reason why the Finance Ministry cannot discuss the handover so that the assets held will be given to TH,” he said.
On December 11, 2018, TH announced the transfer of almost RM19.9 billion of unprofitable assets to the SPV to strengthen its financial position. – September 29, 2023