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PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim faces a delicate balancing act if there is a Cabinet reshuffle, with experts warning that coalition quotas, party capabilities, and recent political developments will shape the process.
Political analyst Dr. Azmi Hassan of Nusantara Academy said that while speculation continues over either a Cabinet reshuffle or the possibility of the 16th General Election (GE16), a “minor” reshuffle is expected first, likely after the Sabah state election.
He said that UPKO president Datuk Ewon Benedick’s resignation should not be interpreted as a withdrawal of support for the Prime Minister.
“Ewon never said UPKO would pull its support. His decision is related to the 40% federal revenue payment to Sabah, which he wants to focus on in preparation for the upcoming state election,” Dr. Azmi explained.
He noted that the timing of any federal reshuffle will depend on Sabah’s election outcome.
“We don’t know who will win in Sabah. If the status quo remains, then there should be no problem,” he said.
Dr. Azmi also highlighted Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, saying she is unlikely to be replaced because PKR currently lacks strong candidates for her portfolio. Similarly, vacancies left by Rafizi Ramli or Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, if any changes occur, would be difficult to fill, he said.
“That’s where the problem lies. If replacements are made hastily, it becomes a ‘tangkap muat’ situation,” he said.
He further pointed out that Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz’s position remains complicated, as the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) is traditionally held by UMNO. UMNO’s Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir is expected to continue in his current post.
“Anwar has to adhere to the quota of parties that support the federal administration. That’s his biggest challenge now,” Dr. Azmi said.
Political analyst Awang Azman Awang Pawi echoed the inevitability of a reshuffle, citing Zafrul’s senatorship ending and Ewon Benedick’s resignation as key factors. He said the reshuffle would also aim to improve policy delivery.
“A Cabinet reshuffle is unavoidable, especially with Zafrul’s senatorship ending and UPKO needing a replacement. It will also help ensure more effective governance,” Awang Azman said.
He clarified that the reshuffle has nothing to do with Khairy Jamaluddin, who currently holds no ministerial position and is not a Member of Parliament.
“With Zafrul leaving his senatorship and Ewon stepping down, replacements are necessary, making a Cabinet reshuffle inevitable,” he said.
Datuk Dr. Sivamurugan Pandian said that a medium-scale Cabinet reshuffle is expected, following the vacancies left by four ministerial posts.
He added that the reshuffle is necessary and is likely to take place after the Sabah state election.
“It will not be a huge reshuffle and it is unavoidable. People have to understand that a reshuffle doesn’t always mean someone is going to be axed.
“One may get promoted, or replaced by someone else in exchanged of a portfolio,” said the academic.
However, a cabinet member has dismissed rumours of a Cabinet reshuffle in the near future.
Minister of Plantations and Commodities, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said so far no official discussion or briefing regarding the matter has been held during any Cabinet meeting.
“I don’t think so. There is no reshuffle so far,” he told the media when met after opening the Timber Expo 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, today.
Yesterday, Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) President Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu revealed that the Prime Minister is expected to hold a special briefing for Cabinet ministers tomorrow (Monday).
It further strengthened rumours of a possible Cabinet reshuffle in the Unity Government which is increasingly being talked about. – November 11, 2025