ANWAR IN NO RUSH FOR MINOR CABINET RESHUFFLE

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 7 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said he will not rush to fill the four vacancies in the Cabinet.

Anwar said he needs to discuss the matter with party leaders in the MADANI Government before making a decision, although he has already considered several suitable names.

The Prime Minister also confirmed that he has yet to discuss the matter with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and DAP leaders.

"I'm thinking about it. I don't rush, and of course, I need to reflect after listening. I have not discussed with all party leaders yet. Of course, the final decision is my prerogative," he said.

He told reporters this after the launch of his latest book, Rethinking Ourselves: Justice, Reform and Ignorance in Postnormal Times, at Tsutaya Books, Pavilion Bukit Jalil, here today.

Asked whether it would be a Cabinet reshuffle or merely filling the vacant posts, Anwar said: “Filling the gaps — when filling the gaps, it results in a minor reshuffle.”

On MCA’s call for Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek to be dropped from the Cabinet, the Prime Minister said it was merely the party’s suggestion.

“Thank you for MCA’s view, but it’s all right, as this is their opinion,” he said.

The Cabinet vacancies are for the Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, and Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry.

-- BERNAMA