Anwar’s Cabinet reshuffle: Bold move or just a makeover?
Economic growth and political balance take centre stage
By FAUZIAH ISMAIL
17 Dec 2025 09:45am
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's spontaneous gesture as he attended a special press conference on the announcement of the new Madani Government Cabinet held at the Perdana Putra Building yesterday. Bernama FILE PIX
PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s long-awaited Cabinet reshuffle, announced yesterday, was not designed to shock or dominate headlines. There were no mass dismissals, dramatic demotions or political theatre.
Instead, it reflects a cautious and deliberate recalibration, shaped as much by economic anxieties as by the realities of managing a fragile coalition government. This reshuffle is less about spectacle and more about functionality, signalling a government intent on steady governance during a period of uncertainty.
Anwar has opted for stability over drama at a time when Malaysians are grappling with rising prices, slower economic growth and job insecurity.
The reshuffle prioritises operational effectiveness over optics, aiming to ensure that government machinery works efficiently, policies are implemented on the ground and ministries are held accountable for tangible outcomes. In this sense, the Cabinet changes are pragmatic rather than performative.
Yet the reshuffle cannot be separated from its political context. Every decision has to balance coalition sensitivities, maintain internal stability, and anticipate upcoming electoral challenges.
With state elections on the horizon and ongoing speculation over the next general election, any abrupt or sweeping overhaul could have triggered unnecessary tensions within the ruling alliance. Instead, Anwar fine-tuned the Cabinet without unsettling the coalition’s equilibrium.
The reshuffle sends a clear signal of renewed focus on the economy. The appointment of Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani as Investment, Trade and Industry Minister (MITI) demonstrates a preference for experience, credibility and market familiarity at a time of global uncertainty. Johari’s corporate background, coupled with his understanding of investment flows and trade dynamics, is expected to reassure investors and business leaders.
Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani (right). Bernama FILE PIX
As Malaysia competes for foreign direct investment and faces softer demand in key export sectors, such experience is seen as a stabilising factor.
Equally significant is the elevation of Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir as Economy Minister, placing cost-of-living issues squarely at the heart of Cabinet priorities.
From tackling inflation and wage pressures to managing subsidies and stimulating growth, Akmal faces immediate pressure to translate policy into tangible relief for households. His performance will be closely watched, as public expectations remain high for concrete improvements in daily life.
Beyond the headline appointments, the selective reshuffling of ministers and deputy ministers is seen as Anwar’s approach to manage coalition expectations without provoking the fallout that broader dismissals might create.
Continuity also remains another notable feature. Core ministries such as Defence, Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs retain their existing leadership, signalling stability to Malaysians and international partners alike. This ensures that security, foreign policy and critical administrative functions continue uninterrupted, even amid internal adjustments.
With the reshuffle now complete, the true measure of its success will be in delivery. Malaysians are looking for more than just new faces - they expect lower prices, better employment opportunities, more efficient public services and clearer leadership.
While lacking dramatic flair, the changes reflect political and economic realities and prioritise performance over personalities.
In the end, Anwar’s challenge is not merely to reshuffle portfolios but to translate these strategic adjustments into tangible improvements that benefit everyday Malaysians.
By FAUZIAH ISMAIL
17 Dec 2025 09:45am
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's spontaneous gesture as he attended a special press conference on the announcement of the new Madani Government Cabinet held at the Perdana Putra Building yesterday. Bernama FILE PIX
PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s long-awaited Cabinet reshuffle, announced yesterday, was not designed to shock or dominate headlines. There were no mass dismissals, dramatic demotions or political theatre.
Instead, it reflects a cautious and deliberate recalibration, shaped as much by economic anxieties as by the realities of managing a fragile coalition government. This reshuffle is less about spectacle and more about functionality, signalling a government intent on steady governance during a period of uncertainty.
Anwar has opted for stability over drama at a time when Malaysians are grappling with rising prices, slower economic growth and job insecurity.
The reshuffle prioritises operational effectiveness over optics, aiming to ensure that government machinery works efficiently, policies are implemented on the ground and ministries are held accountable for tangible outcomes. In this sense, the Cabinet changes are pragmatic rather than performative.
Yet the reshuffle cannot be separated from its political context. Every decision has to balance coalition sensitivities, maintain internal stability, and anticipate upcoming electoral challenges.
With state elections on the horizon and ongoing speculation over the next general election, any abrupt or sweeping overhaul could have triggered unnecessary tensions within the ruling alliance. Instead, Anwar fine-tuned the Cabinet without unsettling the coalition’s equilibrium.
The reshuffle sends a clear signal of renewed focus on the economy. The appointment of Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani as Investment, Trade and Industry Minister (MITI) demonstrates a preference for experience, credibility and market familiarity at a time of global uncertainty. Johari’s corporate background, coupled with his understanding of investment flows and trade dynamics, is expected to reassure investors and business leaders.
Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani (right). Bernama FILE PIX
As Malaysia competes for foreign direct investment and faces softer demand in key export sectors, such experience is seen as a stabilising factor.
Equally significant is the elevation of Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir as Economy Minister, placing cost-of-living issues squarely at the heart of Cabinet priorities.
From tackling inflation and wage pressures to managing subsidies and stimulating growth, Akmal faces immediate pressure to translate policy into tangible relief for households. His performance will be closely watched, as public expectations remain high for concrete improvements in daily life.
Beyond the headline appointments, the selective reshuffling of ministers and deputy ministers is seen as Anwar’s approach to manage coalition expectations without provoking the fallout that broader dismissals might create.
Continuity also remains another notable feature. Core ministries such as Defence, Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs retain their existing leadership, signalling stability to Malaysians and international partners alike. This ensures that security, foreign policy and critical administrative functions continue uninterrupted, even amid internal adjustments.
With the reshuffle now complete, the true measure of its success will be in delivery. Malaysians are looking for more than just new faces - they expect lower prices, better employment opportunities, more efficient public services and clearer leadership.
While lacking dramatic flair, the changes reflect political and economic realities and prioritise performance over personalities.
In the end, Anwar’s challenge is not merely to reshuffle portfolios but to translate these strategic adjustments into tangible improvements that benefit everyday Malaysians.
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