PETALING JAYA: Analysts said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s decision to hold off a Cabinet reshuffle for more than six months following the departure of former Economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli signals a carefully calibrated leadership style, with political stability taking precedence over speed.
They said Anwar appears in no rush to act, opting instead to prioritise coalition consensus within the Unity government, even if it results in prolonged vacancies in key ministerial portfolios.
International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst Assoc Prof Dr Syaza Shukri said the prime minister’s overriding consideration appears to be safeguarding the stability of a government built on cooperation among multiple parties with differing interests.
“Anwar’s primary calculation is the stability of the government. He may not want to make hasty decisions because they could trigger a chain reaction, such as newly-appointed ministers underperforming or dissatisfaction arising among coalition partners,” she told theSun.
She added that Anwar’s leadership approach reflects an acute awareness of the fragile nature of a Unity government, in which every decision carries political implications that extend beyond administrative efficiency.
She also said Anwar’s reluctance to move quickly on a Cabinet reshuffle is also driven by a desire to avoid the perception that his administration depends on specific individuals.
“In this case, the ministers resigned of their own accord rather than being instructed to step down by the prime minister.
“That distinction matters politically, as Anwar would not want to be seen as reacting impulsively or reshaping the Cabinet around personalities.”
Syaza said Anwar’s approach is inherently calculative, adding that while the prime minister technically has the prerogative to appoint or replace ministers without consultation, political realities require negotiation and compromise.
“This is politics. Of course there has to be give and take, especially in a Unity government.”
Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian also described Anwar as a leader who values careful calibration over speed.
He said the prolonged vacancies suggest a preference for managing competing interests rather than risking internal friction through rushed decisions.
“The delay reflects Anwar’s methodical leadership style. He is balancing party expectations and coalition dynamics to ensure that any reshuffle strengthens policy delivery instead of weakening internal cohesion.”
He added that Anwar’s approach underscores a focus on long-term political management rather than short-term optics, particularly in a complex coalition environment in which consensus-building remains critical.
However, Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Dr Oh Ei Sun offered a more critical assessment, saying the delay may also stem from limited ministerial options within Anwar’s own party.
“Frankly speaking, within PKR there are very few capable and presentable ministerial candidates.
“The possible exception is PKR Deputy President Nurul Izzah Anwar, but she has never held an executive position despite her high standing in the party.”
He suggested that Anwar faces difficulty assembling a Cabinet team from within PKR that could project competence and credibility, adding that poor appointments could revive public ridicule similar to past controversies involving certain ministries.
“That would further damage both his and PKR’s political reputation. So he is almost forced to procrastinate.”
Oh expressed belief that the prime minister is likely to fill the vacant posts simultaneously in the near future.
He said decision-making power currently appears to rest either collectively with the Cabinet or centrally with Anwar himself, reducing the urgency to immediately replace individual ministers.
“At this point, he does not seem to feel pressured to act.”
