Several govt sources now anticipate the reshuffle could take place as early as July
by RADZI RAZAK
THE Unity Government, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is navigating a delicate political moment following the resignations of two key ministers — Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. Their departures are expected to trigger internal realignments, fuel speculation of a Cabinet reshuffle and deepen factional divisions within Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
The resignations came in the wake of bruising losses in the party’s internal elections, where Rafizi was unseated as PKR deputy president by Nurul Izzah Anwar, and Nik Nazmi failed to retain his VP post. Both were part of the party’s reformist faction, which now appears sidelined as Anwar’s allies consolidate power.
While Anwar has attempted to contain the fallout — describing the resignations as temporary leaves — internal party sources suggest that more is unfolding behind the scenes.
“Rafizi is not disappearing quietly.
“He has begun engaging with grassroots members, and while it’s not an open rebellion, he is clearly laying the groundwork for a political comeback,” a senior party source told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR).
Another party insider claimed that Rafizi’s faction is “sowing quiet dissent” within internal party circles, tapping into growing frustration among reformist supporters.
“It’s no longer merely about losing party positions. It’s about concerns over the broader direction in which PKR is heading,” the source added.
The departure of both Rafizi and Nik Nazmi has created a leadership vacuum, prompting an accelerated timeline for a Cabinet reshuffle that was initially expected toward the end of the year.
Several government sources now anticipate the reshuffle could take place as early as July — ahead of the Dewan Rakyat’s next sitting on July 21 and the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (MP13) on July 31, a major initiative previously overseen by the Economy Ministry under Rafizi.
In addition to the Economy and Natural Resources portfolios, another potential shift is o the horizon: Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz is widely expected to replace Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz as Malaysia’s Ambassador to the US when Nazri’s term ended in February 2025.
Tengku Zafrul’s move to Washington would open up another key ministry, bringing the number of Cabinet vacancies to at least three.
Attention is now shifting to potential replacements. Selangor Mentri Besar (MB) Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari is widely regarded as a strong contender for a federal post — but his departure would create a high-stakes leadership vacuum in PKR’s most strategically important state.
Among the scenarios being discussed behind closed doors is the unprecedented possibility of Nurul Izzah herself becoming the next Selangor MB, should Amirudin move to Putrajaya.
While politically sensitive, such a move would further consolidate the Anwar family’s influence both at the federal and state levels.
“Selangor is key to PKR’s image of competence and reform. Placing Nurul Izzah there would project stability, but it may also invite accusations of dynastic politics,” a senior source said.
To facilitate such a transition, Seri Setia assemblyman Dr Fahmi Ngah may be asked to vacate his seat — potentially paving the way for a by-election that Nurul Izzah could contest.
“This is one of the scenarios being considered. Fahmi is loyal to the leadership and could make way if it serves the party’s long-term vision,” the source added.
Several key figures are being considered for federal appointments amid the ongoing Cabinet reshuffle. Among them is Datuk Seri R Ramanan, deputy minister for Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, whose influence and standing within the government have notably increased in recent months. Additionally, Anwar’s political secretary, Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim — recently elected as PKR Youth chief — is widely expected to be promoted to a deputy ministerial position. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Deputy Minister Dr Fuziah Salleh is also a potential candidate for promotion.
Meanwhile, the possible return of former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin continues to attract significant attention. Despite his expulsion from UMNO in 2023 and current status as an independent, sources indicate that Khairy could be appointed as a senator and technocrat minister as part of the reshuffle. Although Khairy has publicly downplayed speculation regarding his comeback, citing “unfinished projects” as his priority, insiders maintain that he remains on the shortlist for a senior Cabinet portfolio.
Meanwhile, UMNO VP and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani is being considered for either the Economy or MITI portfolios, although he has publicly distanced himself from such discussions, saying that PKR matters are outside his purview.
Amid these developments, Anwar continues to insist that no Cabinet reshuffle is imminent.
“There is no Cabinet reshuffle for now,” he told reporters — a statement widely seen as a holding pattern.
But with mounting vacancies, approaching parliamentary deadlines and factional pressures within PKR, most observers agree that a reshuffle is inevitable.
“This is not a reshuffle for cosmetic change,” said one PKR veteran. “It’s a moment that will define how Anwar consolidates — or loses — control of the coalition.”
With names shifting, loyalties tested and Selangor potentially in play, July could be the month that reshapes Malaysia’s political landscape once again.
- This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
The post Resignations rattle Unity Govt as Cabinet reshuffle looms appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.
