CABINET RESHUFFLE, A CLEAR SIGN OF ANWAR ON COUNTRY'S DIRECTION, GENERATIONAL LEADERSHIP TRANSITION

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 19 (Bernama) -- The cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is not just a game of musical chairs or a mere balance of political power, but rather a firm message about the direction of the country's leadership facing the 16th general election (GE16).

Political Secretary to the Minister of Finance Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim said the reshuffle last Tuesday reflected Anwar's courage to think about Malaysia's future, thus forming a cabinet that will lead the country towards GE16 and test the readiness of the transition of the national generation leadership.

"In this context, the Prime Minister's message is clear, namely that the country cannot continue to be led by the old formula with the same face and a recycled approach," he said in a Facebook post.

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On Tuesday, the Prime Minister announced the reshuffle of the MADANI Government Cabinet involving 28 ministers and deputy ministers, including portfolio changes and new appointments to ensure that the Cabinet functions as a more effective team.

In addition, Muhammad Kamil said the reshuffle should be seen as part of the regeneration and leadership renewal agenda because it shows the Prime Minister's willingness to make room for new faces who are young, educated and capable.

He described the Prime Minister's move as a long-term investment to build the country's leadership, while reminding that Anwar himself was appointed as a minister at a relatively young age and is now repeating the cycle by opening the door to the next generation.

Taking the example of the appointment of Dr Zulkifli Hasan as Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Muhammad Kamil said it reflects trust in young figures who have a background of knowledge and administrative experience.

In addition, he said the appointment of several other young leaders such as Youth and Sports Minister Taufiq Johari and Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir as well as Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Chiew Choon Man is in line with government policy besides providing opportunities for young people to be directly involved in the country's administration.

"Of course, this cabinet has not escaped criticism. The issue of regional representation and racial sentiments continues to be played up by some quarters. However, the Prime Minister's approach shows that the main consideration is not skin colour or party affiliation alone.

"In the Federal Territories portfolio, for example, the involvement of the Deputy Minister from Sabah, Datuk Lo Su Fui, is significant given that Labuan is part of it. This reflects the strength of the federal reality of Malaysia. In fact, throughout the MADANI Government's administration, the Prime Minister has consistently balanced Sabah's political interests, respecting the federal structure and the voice of its people," he said.

Commenting on criticism of the appointment of Hannah Yeoh as Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), he said the selection was made based on her service record as a representative of the people, ability and responsibility, not race or party alone.

"She once created history as the first female Speaker of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly, leading with a non-partisan and professional attitude that was respected by all parties.

"In her constituency, she fought for the recognition of Kampung Sungai Penchala as a Malay heritage village, and the mutual respect shown within the Malay and Muslim communities reflects mature leadership in a plural society," he said.

Muhammad Kamil said the narrative that one particular party dominating the cabinet needs to be corrected, because although DAP has more parliamentary seats than UMNO, the number of ministers and deputy ministers received by UMNO is greater.

He said DAP only receives numbers according to the rate of representation and it is a fact that is often silenced because it does not support the racist rhetoric played.

"There is no perfect cabinet. Every appointment carries risks, but real courage in leadership is the willingness to provide opportunities, monitor performance and be ready to be evaluated. This regeneration cabinet is about the courage to choose the future and the willingness to work to produce a real impact on the country," he said.

-- BERNAMA