Cabinet Reshuffle Three Options As Madani Reaches Crossroads

---

 



The resignations of two senior PKR ministers - Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad - have placed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Madani coalition government in a critical position.
The administration is now caught between maintaining cabinet stability and responding to opposition claims that the unity government is losing direction and political cohesion.
While the nation is still digesting the impact of the resignations, the situation has been further complicated by Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz’s announcement that he is leaving Umno, although he will remain investment, trade, and industry minister in Anwar’s cabinet.
Leave and resignation: Where is PKR headed?
A source from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) told Malaysiakini that the future of Rafizi and Nik Nazmi remains under discussion, and efforts are underway to persuade both to stay.
Rafizi Ramli“We need to revisit the PMO’s statement. The prime minister has only approved Rafizi and Nik Nazmi’s leave applications. Their resignation letters have not been accepted - discussions are ongoing.
“What I can confirm is that there are still efforts to convince Rafizi and Nik Nazmi to remain in the cabinet. As I said, they are on leave.
“So, there’s still a chance they may return. If they do, there will be no need for a cabinet reshuffle.
“I anticipate a minor cabinet reshuffle in December. Therefore, the prime minister may prefer to avoid conducting two reshuffles in a year. His best option would be to retain Rafizi and Nik Nazmi,” the source said.
However, the source acknowledged that the likelihood of both ministers staying on in the Madani cabinet is slim.
On May 28, Rafizi announced that he had submitted his resignation from the cabinet after failing to defend his position as PKR deputy president.
His resignation will take effect on June 17, following the end of his remaining annual leave on June 16.
Nik Nazmi Nik AhmadADSFollowing in his footsteps, Nik Nazmi, who also failed to retain his position as PKR vice-president, stated that his resignation would take effect on July 4, with leave from May 29 to July 3.
Internal discontent
Several political observers believe the resignations, following losses in the party elections, are not coincidental. Instead, they signal strategic discord within PKR and dissatisfaction with the government’s direction.
“If two influential young leaders in PKR have lost confidence in remaining within the cabinet, that’s no small matter.
“It’s an internal signal,” said one analyst who wished to remain anonymous.
Further commenting, the PMO source said Anwar is weighing three main scenarios.
“The first possibility is that Rafizi and Nik Nazmi stay. The second, if they insist on stepping down, Anwar may appoint new figures.
“In that case, Zafrul would remain as a minister, potentially as a representative of PKR. The Economy Ministry may be downsized and placed under the Finance Ministry or the Prime Minister’s Department,” said the source.
Tengku Zafrul Abdul AzizThere is also speculation that the Economy Ministry may be handed over to Umno to rebalance power within the unity government.
It’s worth noting that Zafrul’s term as senator is set to end in mid-December after serving the maximum of two terms.
The technocrat question
Zafrul’s position raises broader questions about the role of technocrats in the administration. Additionally, he is said to be eyeing a spot in PKR and potentially a new portfolio.
The Economy Ministry was first established in 2018 following Pakatan Harapan’s federal win, then known as the Economy Affairs Ministry and held by then PKR deputy president Azmin Ali.
Previously, this portfolio fell under the Prime Minister’s Department, with the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) as its main agency.
“Nik Nazmi’s Natural Resources Ministry may be handed to an Umno representative to maintain political balance within the government.
“This way, Umno retains its tally of seven ministers, as requested by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi,” said the source.
Umno previously held seven cabinet positions, but with Zafrul’s departure from the party, the number dropped to six.
Zahid’s insistence on maintaining seven ministerial posts now presents a difficult negotiation for Anwar - whether to meet Umno’s demand or protect PKR’s dominance in an increasingly fragile cabinet.
Who will replace them?
Several names have been floated as potential replacements for Nik Nazmi.
These include PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh, PKR supreme council member Adam Adli Abdul Halim, PKR vice-president R Ramanan, and Sim Tze Tzin.
However, the consideration extends beyond technocratic competence - candidates must also offer political stability and help restore the government’s damaged image.
“It’s up to the president. There are many candidates. The secretary-general (Fuziah) is one of the top names qualified to be appointed minister.
“She joined PKR in 1999, rose through the grassroots, and has held various party posts before being appointed secretary-general. She also served as deputy domestic trade and cost of living minister. So, she’s among the leading candidates.
“As I said, no final decision has been made. Some are lobbying. Others are strategising for a chance to be appointed.
“But the prime minister will only discuss any new cabinet appointments after June 13,” the source added. - Mkini

---