The political chatter in Putrajaya has intensified in recent days as talk of a Cabinet reshuffle grows louder — with former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin emerging as the most talked-about name in the rumour mill.
With Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Ewon Benedick having resigned, and International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz’s tenure as senator ending in December, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is under pressure to fill the looming vacancies. Speculation is rife that Khairy, once seen as a rising star in Malaysian politics, could make his long-awaited comeback to the Cabinet next month.
According to Free Malaysia Today, Anwar appeared unfazed when asked about the rumours. Responding to reporters’ questions about whether Khairy would return to government, he simply said, “Is that so… who told you?” The quip came after reports by Malaysia Gazette claiming that a major Cabinet reshuffle is expected in early December, aimed at streamlining the administration, strengthening the economic team, and ensuring continuity in policies.
Meanwhile, Malay Mail reported that Anwar expressed “surprise” at claims that Khairy could be appointed as Minister of Environment and Water, though he stopped short of denying the speculation. The same report noted that Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani is tipped to replace Tengku Zafrul as Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI).
Vacancies Open the Door to Change
As The Straits Times reported, the Prime Minister currently faces at least four vacancies in his Cabinet. Besides Ewon’s departure, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli and Natural Resources Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad resigned earlier this year following PKR’s internal party elections, leaving two critical portfolios unfilled.
Ewon, the Upko president, announced his resignation after clashing with the Attorney-General’s Chambers over what he described as a lack of respect for Sabah’s constitutional right to 40 per cent of federal revenue. His exit not only leaves Sabah without a Cabinet representative but also adds to Anwar’s political balancing act in maintaining representation among his Madani coalition partners.
Meanwhile, Tengku Zafrul’s term as senator will expire in December, effectively ending his ministerial role unless he is reappointed through another mechanism. Analysts believe this combination of vacancies has created the perfect window for a strategic reshuffle to inject new energy into the administration before year’s end.
For now, Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan is covering Rafizi’s portfolio, while Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Ghani is serving as acting Natural Resources Minister. But as observers note, having multiple acting ministers sends mixed signals about the government’s stability.
Political analyst Dr Md Shukri Shuib of Universiti Utara Malaysia said prolonged vacancies can affect public confidence. “When ministries go too long without full ministers, the perception of uncertainty grows. Civil servants and investors begin to question the government’s focus,” he warned.
Khairy’s Potential Return: A Comeback Story
Khairy Jamaluddin’s name has dominated headlines since rumours of the reshuffle surfaced. Once Umno’s most dynamic young leader, Khairy’s political career took a sharp turn after his expulsion from Umno in 2023. Yet, his popularity among the public — especially urban and younger voters — never faded.
He has since reinvented himself as a political commentator and podcast host, but recent developments suggest he may be preparing for a comeback. As reported by Malay Mail, Umno secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki confirmed that Khairy has expressed interest in rejoining Umno, adding that the party is “open to his return” pending the formal process.
Khairy is reportedly seeking to rejoin Umno before the Sabah state election on Nov 29, a move that would reestablish his political base just as the federal government prepares for a reshuffle. Party insiders suggest that both Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Anwar Ibrahim have signalled openness to Khairy’s return, viewing it as politically beneficial to the unity government.
If appointed, Khairy could take over the Natural Resources and Environment portfolio, left vacant by Ewon’s resignation. Given his administrative experience and technocratic image, his appointment could be seen as a move to strengthen policy credibility while injecting youthful energy into the Cabinet.
A Balancing Act for Anwar
As The Straits Times observed, Anwar’s greatest challenge is managing the complex coalition dynamics of the Madani government. Every reshuffle risks upsetting one faction or another within the alliance of PKR, DAP, Umno, Amanah, and East Malaysian parties.
Political analyst Professor Wong Chin Huat noted that any changes will likely take place after the Sabah state election, as the results will influence how Cabinet posts are distributed. “Sabah representation will have to reflect the state’s electoral outcome,” he said, adding that Nurul Izzah Anwar could emerge as a candidate for the Economy Ministry after defeating Rafizi Ramli in PKR’s internal polls.
Meanwhile, Professor Sivamurugan Pandian of Universiti Sains Malaysia emphasised that Anwar’s challenge lies not in finding capable individuals, but in managing perceptions and political expectations. “It’s more about political space than talent,” he said. “Anwar must balance the needs of coalition partners without triggering dissatisfaction.”
He also pointed out that the MITI portfolio, traditionally linked to Umno’s technocratic wing, could spark debate if handed to another party. “If Anwar gives MITI to PKR or DAP, it could create tension within Umno,” he added.
Looking Ahead
Observers believe December is the most logical time for Anwar to announce his reshuffle. By then, the Sabah election results will be known, and the government can adjust its composition accordingly. The reshuffle would also allow Anwar to project an image of renewal and decisiveness going into 2026.
Bringing in figures like Khairy Jamaluddin could help restore some public confidence and widen the government’s appeal. Khairy remains one of Malaysia’s most recognisable political figures — charismatic, articulate, and policy-driven — qualities that could help reenergise the Madani administration.
Still, Anwar must tread carefully. Appointing Khairy too soon after his reentry into Umno could raise eyebrows within the coalition, especially among long-serving MPs who might feel sidelined. But with multiple key ministries now leaderless, a reshuffle seems not just likely, but inevitable.
For now, Anwar continues to play his cards close to his chest. Yet, with political pressure mounting and the year drawing to a close, Malaysia could soon witness one of the most significant Cabinet realignments since the unity government came to power.
Whether Khairy Jamaluddin will be part of that new line-up remains uncertain — but his name alone has already reshaped the political conversation in Putrajaya.
As one political insider put it, “If Khairy returns, it won’t just be another reshuffle. It will be a statement — that the game in Malaysian politics has changed once again.”
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