KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has assured that there is no urgency in making permanent appointments to fill the ministerial posts vacated by Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, stressing that the government has no shortage of qualified candidates.
He said any permanent appointments must be made in accordance with the Federal Constitution.
“There is no need to rush,” Anwar said after performing Friday prayers at Surau Ar-Rahim here today, Bernama reported.
“Some people are saying the government does not have (credible) candidates to appoint, so it has to rely on acting ministers. That’s not true.”
He clarified that the appointments of Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan to temporarily carry out the responsibilities of the minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability and the minister of Economy, respectively, were made purely for continuity while awaiting formal replacements.
“They are simply covering these roles until new appointments are made. It’s unfortunate when opposition MPs can’t understand that,” he added.
Anwar also called on all parties to give Johari and Amir Hamzah the space to perform their duties effectively without disruption.
Earlier today, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, who also serves as Cabinet Secretary, announced that Johari has been entrusted with the responsibilities and functions of the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability portfolio, effective immediately. The decision was conveyed during the Cabinet meeting on July 9.
Nik Nazmi had on May 28 announced his resignation from the role, which took effect on July 4.
Meanwhile, Shamsul Azri had on June 27 announced that Amir Hamzah would carry out the functions of Economy Minister following Rafizi’s resignation, effective June 17.
Both Rafizi and Nik Nazmi stepped down after failing to retain their respective positions as PKR deputy president and vice president in the party elections in May. — July 11, 2025