THE resignations of both Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad are likely to pave the way for another reshuffle of the Federal Cabinet.
This week, the duo stepped down following losses in the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) elections, leaving two senior Cabinet positions vacant.
Ideally, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would prefer to maintain his Cabinet until the term’s end, having already reshuffled the lineup in December 2023, just a year into his administration.
The previous reshuffle was triggered by the passing of former Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Salehuddin Ayub, resulting in the appointment of four new ministers.
It is uncommon for a Cabinet to undergo multiple reshuffles during its term, but unforeseen circumstances have necessitated this change.
The primary issue the Prime Minister must address is filling the vacant positions of Minister of Economy and Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability.
While appointing direct replacements from the pool of PKR backbenchers seems like a straightforward solution, analysts have noted a shortage of talent at Anwar’s disposal.
An important consideration is that the initial appointments for these positions were made using the PKR ministerial quota, implying that the vacancies should ideally be filled by party leaders.
While this isn’t set in stone, it’s the party’s expectation if the Prime Minister chooses a direct replacement.
However, opting for a Cabinet reshuffle would enable the promotion of deputy ministers from PKR to full ministerial roles and the inclusion of junior MPs as deputies.
Anwar faces a challenge in identifying suitable direct replacements. Rafizi’s appointment as Economy Minister was due to his role as PKR deputy president, making succession by the new PKR deputy president an ideal, like-for-like choice.
This move would calm party supporters and minimise disruption. Nevertheless, the replacement for Rafizi as PKR’s number two poses a dilemma.
Nurul Izzah Anwar clinched the PKR deputy president position amid a contentious election marred by nepotism allegations, given her relation to the party president.
Considering the public outcry following the PKR election, appointing Nurul Izzah to the Cabinet would be unwise, especially as she’s not an MP and would require a senatorship for inclusion.
Another prominent figure is Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the Bandar Tun Razak MP and former deputy prime minister. Despite her capabilities, her status as the Prime Minister’s wife and Malaysia’s current first lady renders both her and Nurul Izzah unsuitable candidates.
Looking further down the PKR ranks, potential candidates among the newly elected vice presidents include Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, Chang Lih Kang, and Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan.
Of the four, only Chang holds a full ministerial position, while Ramanan serves as a deputy minister. Ramanan is anticipated to be promoted to a full ministerial role, but concerns have surfaced regarding his swift rise within PKR, particularly given his past ties to the MIC.
Amirudin Shari seems a likely candidate for a full ministerial role in the Cabinet, being an MP without the need for a senatorship. However, his current role as Selangor Menteri Besar presents an obstacle.
Previous discussions of a portfolio swap between him and Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Aziz have faded since Zafrul’s rumoured defection from UMNO to PKR.
Aminuddin Harun, the current Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar, poses a similar challenge, as appointing him as a full minister would necessitate a replacement in his current role.
Anwar’s options for direct replacements for Rafizi and Nik Nazmi are limited. This will likely lead to another Cabinet reshuffle.
Nevertheless, there’s no rush in making decisions, as the outgoing ministers are on leave—Rafizi until June 16 and Nik Nazmi until July 3. Any reshuffling or replacements will have to wait until then.
Historically, Anwar’s first Cabinet reshuffle in 2023 occurred five months after the vacancy of the Minister for Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, indicating a thoughtful decision-making process.
The recent PKR election has left the Prime Minister with more questions than answers, which he must promptly address, given PKR’s significance within Pakatan Harapan and the federal government.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at nazmixsuhaimi@gmail.com.
