KUALA LUMPUR – Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh has defended Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Cabinet reshuffle, urging Malaysians to give the newly appointed ministers a chance to prove their worth.
Akmal reminded the public that ministerial appointments are the prime minister’s prerogative and should be seen as a reflection of his leadership.
“The prime minister can appoint whoever he considers suitable, including those who are not public representatives. In other words, these ministers are emblematic of the prime minister’s image and vision,” he said in a Facebook post today.
He cautioned against endless disputes over Anwar’s choices, stressing that the real test lies in performance.
“There is no need to dispute whoever PMX wants to appoint. Voters can punish the parties of underperforming ministers at the ballot box,” he said.
Akmal also issued a stern reminder to the new ministers:
“Congratulations to the ministers for being appointed, but this is no time for merrymaking and making stupid statements that will disturb the public’s feelings and sensitivities. It is time to work for the people. Remember that this country has laws and a constitution that must be abided by, and not for you to violate now that you have become ministers. If not, this will be your only term as a minister.”
His remarks come amid criticism from opposition leaders. PAS secretary‑general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan claimed the appointment of two Chinese leaders to the federal territories portfolio was a deliberate strategy to strengthen DAP’s dominance in urban centres.
Hannah Yeoh was named federal territories minister, with Lo Su Fui as her deputy, while Nga Kor Ming retained his housing and local government portfolio.
Takiyuddin argued that concentrating urban power in the hands of leaders from the same ethnicity and party could raise questions about balance and direction in national governance.
Meanwhile, questions have also been raised about whether newly appointed deputy higher education minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim will deliver on his activist pledge to waive National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans. – December 17, 2025