PETALING JAYA: The Cabinet reshuffle yesterday saw two ministers and a deputy minister dropped from the line-up, reflecting a selective recalibration, rather than a sweeping overhaul of the administration.
Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, who oversaw religious affairs under the Prime Minister’s Department and Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, previously in charge of federal territories, were not retained.
Their portfolios are now assumed by Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Hasan, formerly the deputy minister for religious affairs and Hannah Yeoh, the former youth and sports minister.
The exercise also resulted in the removal of National Unity deputy minister K. Saraswathy.
Political analysts said the limited number of ministers dropped points to a targeted adjustment by the prime minister, aimed at strengthening performance and policy delivery as the administration enters a more critical phase.
Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said the changes suggested that expectations set by the prime minister had not been fully met by some members of the Cabinet.
“The lineup reflects Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s evaluation of expectations and performance. In some cases, what was expected may not have fully matched what was delivered and that is why we see adjustments being made.
“At this stage of the administration, the prime minister would want to realign the Cabinet with his priorities, especially as the government moves into a more critical phase.
“This is about ensuring that policies can be translated into action and implementation more effectively.”
Sivamurugan said the shift was particularly significant as the government moves into the latter half of its term.
“The focus is on ensuring that policies are not just announced, but translated into action. As the government moves into its fourth and fifth years, performance and delivery will be crucial in maintaining public trust and confidence.”
Political analyst Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub, meanwhile, said the reshuffle largely involved familiar figures being reassigned with only a few ministers and deputy ministers dropped.
“There are not many new faces. Among those brought in are figures such as Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, as well as a new deputy minister for youth and sports from Sarawak, Mordi Bimol.”
Mohammad Tawfik said the reshuffle appeared to favour long-standing figures associated with the Reformasi movement.
“I see this as an effort to strengthen the presence of leaders who have long been involved in the movement.
“There are also promotions of ministers who were previously deputy ministers such as Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad and Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.”
Mohammad Tawfik said internal political considerations also played a role in shaping the changes.
“This is also to manage pressure from their respective political parties,” he added.
