KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has ruled out the need for an immediate Cabinet reshuffle following the resignations of two ministers, insisting that the administration remains operational and stable.
Speaking to reporters at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2025 (PBAKL 2025) today, Anwar said interim measures would be taken to maintain continuity in government functions, Bernama reported.
“There is no urgency for a reshuffle now. Two ministers have resigned, (and) we’re giving them time to reflect on what they want to do. Now they are on leave. I already approved their leave. I don’t think we should preempt,” he said.
Anwar confirmed that Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad are currently on leave, with their resignations set to take effect on June 17 and July 4, respectively. He added that their portfolios would be temporarily managed by other Cabinet members.
“In the next Cabinet meeting, I will ask (other) ministers to cover (the portfolios of the Economy Ministry and the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry),” he said.
The prime minister said he has directed the secretaries-general of both ministries to continue their administrative duties.
“All secretary-generals have been asked to continue (their duties), because we are in the midst of serious negotiations… ASEAN, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), China and the United States, including over (US President) Donald Trump’s tariff proposals,” he said.
Both ministers recently lost in the 2025 PKR party elections, with Rafizi defeated in his bid to retain the deputy presidency by Nurul Izzah Anwar, while Nik Nazmi was unsuccessful in his vice-presidential campaign.
The Prime Minister’s Office had earlier issued a statement confirming that Anwar had received their letters requesting leave and to vacate their posts. It added that further decisions regarding their resignations would be made in due course.
Meanwhile, Anwar also addressed the political shift involving Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, who recently left UMNO and announced his intention to join PKR.
“Tengku Zafrul is a minister who has carried out his responsibilities very well. Our investments amount to hundreds of billions, many of which have been handled through his efforts.
“So, his position as minister is not affected, and we want him to continue his duties as his performance has been good, and the country needs his contribution,” Anwar said.
Tengku Zafrul had on May 30 announced his resignation from Umno, stepping down as a Supreme Council member, Kota Raja division chief, and party member. His resignation was later confirmed by Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
As for his potential entry into PKR, Anwar, who also leads the party, said the matter has not been formally discussed.
“He (Tengku Zafrul) has opted to apply (to join PKR). We haven’t discussed anything yet… let him complete his Hajj pilgrimage first, and let’s not jump to unhealthy conclusions.
“When someone makes a decision, we respect it. So, on behalf of PKR, of course we will need to discuss it with our fellow government coalition parties and decide what’s best,” he said.
Also present at the book fair event were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, PBAKL 2025 organising chairman Mohd Khair Ngadiron and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka director-general Dr Hazami Jahari. – June 1, 2025