Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s latest Cabinet reshuffle has drawn sharp reactions from the opposition, with critics using the moment to revive questions over his long-standing reform pledges, particularly his continued hold on the finance portfolio.
The reshuffle, announced on December 16, introduced several changes to the federal leadership lineup, including the removal of two ministers from the Cabinet and the reassignment of key portfolios. However, Anwar’s dual role as prime minister and finance minister remained intact, a decision that quickly became the focal point of political criticism.
PAS information chief Fadhli Shaari responded to the announcement with a pointed remark, suggesting that the absence of change in Anwar’s finance role symbolised the end of earlier reform commitments. The Pasir Mas Member of Parliament framed his response as a sarcastic expression of sympathy, implying that promises to separate the two powerful positions had effectively been abandoned.
The comment reflected broader opposition sentiment that the reshuffle, while significant on paper, failed to address what critics see as a central issue of governance and accountability. For them, retaining control of the finance ministry undermines the spirit of institutional reform that Anwar had previously championed.
Beyond the political jabs, the reshuffle introduced notable personnel movements within the Cabinet. Hannah Yeoh was reassigned from her role as Minister of Youth and Sports to become Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department overseeing Federal Territories. She replaced Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, who was dropped from the Cabinet altogether following the reshuffle.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Taufiq Johari, the Sungai Petani Member of Parliament, was appointed as the new Minister of Youth and Sports. His elevation marked a generational shift within the ministry, while Adam Adli, previously the deputy minister, was moved to the Ministry of Higher Education, where he now serves as deputy minister.
Another significant development was the removal of Datuk Setia Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, who had been Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department responsible for religious affairs. His exit, alongside Dr Zaliha’s, signalled a consolidation of Anwar’s leadership team and a recalibration of ministerial priorities.
While the government framed the reshuffle as a step toward strengthening administration and performance, opposition figures viewed it through a more critical lens. The decision to maintain Anwar’s grip on the finance ministry continues to fuel debate over whether reform ideals have been compromised in favour of political stability, setting the tone for renewed scrutiny of the government’s reform narrative in the months ahead.
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