KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today is not just to fill vacant positions but is aimed towards strengthening the Unity Government’s administration and work flow, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (pix) said.

The appointment of new faces, the setting up of new ministries, the re-organising of duties in existing ministries and change in portfolios are capable of driving the various plans and agendas of the MADANI government for the good of the people, he added.

“The Prime Minister prioritised national interests and political stability in his considerations for the Cabinet reshuffle.

“This is very important as we are driving and strengthening the economy, its main foundations being incoming investors and political stability,” he said in a statement after the reshuffle was announced today.

Fadilllah expressed his belief that the Prime Minister had assessed the suitability of every minister with the portfolio entrusted to them carefully, based on their respective expertise, after having observed them throughout the first year of the Unity Government’s administration.

He also extended his thanks and appreciation to the Prime Minister for entrusting him with the position of Deputy Prime Minister and allowing him to helm a new ministry, the Energy Transition and Public Utilities Ministry and Minister in charge of Sabah and Sarawak Affairs.

He said throughout his one year with the Plantations and Commodities Ministry (KPK), and two previous terms at the Public Works Ministry, he had promised himself that he would do his best in carrying out the duties entrusted to him and that he would do the same in his new positions.

On Sabah and Sarawak affairs, priority will be placed on continuing efforts to settle unresolved issues and to place the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) in its proper place to close the physical, economic and social gaps between Sarawak and Sabah with Peninsular Malaysia, Fadillah said.

He also conveyed his thanks and appreciation to the KPK’s top management and staff for the best cooperation and full commitment shown during his time at the ministry.

“Please extend my replacement Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani such similar cooperation,” he said, as he invited the newly-announced Cabinet line up to continue to focus on working for the people and the country to strengthen the bonds of unity in the MADANI Government and take on the challenges of the future. -Bernama