Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
13 December 2023 | 17:15 CAT

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim PHOTO BY YASUYOSHI CHIBA /THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced a minor cabinet reshuffle yesterday amid growing public discontent around the country’s economy.

Speaking during a televised press conference, Anwar, who also serves as finance minister, said that he would increase the size of the cabinet to 60 ministers and deputies, up from 55 previously, to prioritize his administration’s focus on the economy, health, and education.

Tuesday’s reshuffle split the energy transition and digital portfolios into separate ministries, taking the number of cabinet members to 31 from 28 previously.

“The ministry of finance, other than being headed by me, must have a strong professional team to ensure we are on the right track and focus on the economy,” Anwar, who is also finance minister, told a televised press conference.

He brought back the position of second finance minister, appointing Amir Hamzah Azizan, the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) chief executive.

Mohamad Hasan, a deputy president of one of Anwar’s allies, the United Malay National Organisation (UMNO), is taking over the foreign ministry from his former position in defence.

Malaysia’s economic growth has slowed sharply this year from 8.7% in 2022 amid lower exports. While inflation has moderated, concerns remain over rising consumer costs, as the ringgit is one of Asia’s worst-performing currencies this year.

Anwar heads a government formed of his progressive coalition, one-time rival UMNO, East Malaysian parties, and several smaller parties.

The latest survey by independent polling group Merdeka Center published last month saw Anwar’s approval rating drop to 50% from 68% in December last year, while government approval dipped to 41% from 54%.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie and his guest Haresh Deol, editor of Kuala Lumpur-based news organisation Twentytwo13.