MADANI CABINET RESHUFFLE: A BALANCED STRATEGY BETWEEN MERIT, POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT CONTINUITY

By Amanina Mohamad Yusof

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 18 (Bernama) -- The recent Cabinet reshuffle under the MADANI Government is more than a reallocation of portfolios, reflecting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s strategic manoeuvring to balance expertise, experience, administrative needs and the country’s political realities.

Universiti Putra Malaysia Faculty of Human Ecology lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Ku Hasnita Ku Samsu said the new appointments, promotions and portfolio changes demonstrate efforts to strengthen the government’s effectiveness while maintaining political legitimacy within a multi-party and multi-racial landscape.

“The Cabinet reshuffle reflects an attempt to balance merit and politics, reform and experience, as well as continuity and change.

“Its effectiveness will ultimately be measured not merely by the Cabinet’s composition, but by how far the line-up of ministers can translate political mandates into effective policies that are felt by the people,” she told Bernama.

From a merit-based perspective, Ku Hasnita said several key appointments indicate an emphasis on expertise and professionalism.

"Among them are Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, who has an economics background, Dr Zulkifli Hasan with expertise in syariah, and Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, who brings international experience, including serving at the World Trade Organisation. 

“This approach aligns with civil society’s calls for a Cabinet formed based on capability and knowledge,” she said.

Ku Hasnita said political considerations also played an important role, noting that the appointment of Adam Adli Abdul Halim as Deputy Minister of Higher Education carries symbolic value in addressing student activism sentiments.

She added that the move reflects a pragmatic approach to maintaining political stability in a pluralistic society.

“The reshuffle also underscores the government’s generational renewal agenda through the appointment of young leaders to ministerial positions, including Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, 29, and Akmal Nasrullah, 39,” she said.

"This reshuffle also highlights the generational renewal agenda with the appointment of young leaders to ministerial positions, namely Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, 29, and Akmal Nasrullah, 39.

“The appointment is seen as an effort to bring the government closer to young voters, particularly the Undi18 group, which now makes up almost 30 per cent of the electorate.

“While the inclusion of younger leaders offers fresh perspectives and a stronger understanding of digital technology, observers note that limited administrative experience may pose challenges in managing crises or navigating complex policy negotiations,” she said.

On professionalism, Ku Hasnita said the reshuffle reflects a clear inclination towards technocratic appointments, with most of the new ministers possessing strong academic credentials as well as private-sector or international experience, potentially introducing market-based approaches and global best practices into government administration.

In terms of representation, she noted that Hannah Yeoh remains the most prominent female figure in the Cabinet, while the appointment of Marhamah Rosli as Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) further strengthens women’s representation in the administration.

She added that the appointment of specific figures to oversee Sabah and Sarawak affairs is widely seen as a response to longstanding demands under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the growing influence of the “Borneo Bloc” as a decisive force in federal politics.

She said the strategy of promoting deputy ministers to full ministers helps ensure policy continuity, while portfolio changes aim to bring in new perspectives and avoid policy fanaticism.

“However, such changes also require an adjustment period, which may affect the momentum of policy implementation in the short term,” she said.

Last Tuesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a Cabinet reshuffle under the MADANI Government involving 28 ministers and deputy ministers, as well as portfolio changes and new appointments, as part of efforts to strengthen administrative efficiency and ensure more effective policy implementation.

Anwar also announced the appointment of six deputy ministers and several portfolio adjustments, including the elevation of Deputy Minister of Higher Education Datuk Mustafa Sakmud to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak).

The first Cabinet reshuffle under Anwar’s Unity Government took place in December 2023.

-- BERNAMA