KUALA LUMPUR — Speculation had swirled that Law and Institutional Reforms deputy minister Kulasegaran might be elevated to a full minister, given his previous stint as Human Resources Minister under Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
However, the portfolio is now helmed by PKR vice president Datuk Ramanan Ramakrishnan, who previously served as Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Cabinet reshuffle.
Ramanan replaced Steven Sim, who has been moved to the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives.
Addressing the reshuffle, Kula stressed that the decision ultimately rests with the Prime Minister, highlighting the need for cohesion within the ruling coalition.
“The Prime Minister has absolute discretion, supported by a strong parliamentary majority,” Kula said.
“He also faces a real challenge — in a five-year term, we are already three-fifths through. Any changes must be manageable and allow the government to deliver tangible results before the next general election,” he said during a Trick Lama podcast episode hosted by Big Boom Media Chief Executive Officer Datuk Zainul Arifin and Group Editor-in-Chief Terence Fernandez.
Rather than focusing on personal advancement, Kula framed the reshuffle as a strategic move shaped by time constraints and the need for stability.
“I believe he has chosen a team he feels can best move the country forward. Now, we must focus on execution and delivery,” he said.
Kula’s remarks appear aimed at closing ranks within PKR and the unity government, signalling that internal speculation should give way to collective responsibility as the administration seeks to consolidate gains and meet public expectations ahead of GE16.
Yesterday, Anwar announced the new Cabinet lineup, with several ministers dropped, shifted to different ministries, and new appointments made.
Hannah Yeoh was appointed to replace Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), while her previous position at Youth and Sports went to Sungai Petani MP, Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari.
Other appointments include Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad as Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup as Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, and Dr Zulkifli Hasan as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs).
Those who were dropped include Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar and Deputy Minister of National Unity K. Saraswathy. – December 17, 2025