Potential Candidates Emerge For Four Vacant Ministerial Posts

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Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani is reportedly being considered for either the Investment, Trade and Industry or the Economy ministries. — NSTP/NABILA ADLINA AZAHARIKUALA LUMPUR: Several names have emerged as potential candidates to fill vacant ministerial positions, ahead of a Cabinet reshuffle expected soon by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Four ministries are currently without ministers, prompting speculation about both new appointments and possible portfolio swaps among existing Cabinet members.
Among the ministers likely to see portfolio changes is Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, who is reportedly being considered for either the Investment, Trade and Industry or the Economy ministries.
Other potential appointees include PKR vice president Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, currently the Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister and Amanah vice president Adly Zahari, who is the Deputy Defence Minister.
Political analysts suggest that PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar and former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin could also be brought into the Cabinet through appointments as Senators.
Selangor Menteri Besar and PKR vice president Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, who is also the Gombak member of Parliament, is similarly mentioned as a potential ministerial candidate.
Additionally, former Bersatu Supreme Council member and Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan, now an independent MP, is seen as a possible candidate to join the Madani government.
Umno leaders with strong track records, such as Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and Matrade chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, are also being considered for ministerial roles.
Ilham Centre executive director Hisomuddin Bakar said Johari is well-qualified to take over at the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry following the end of Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz's tenure, which ended with the expiration of his Senate appointment yesterday.
"Johari is seen as capable of handling matters related to the Malaysia-US Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART).
"There is also strong support for Ramanan and Khairy to join the Cabinet," Hisomuddin said.
The Economy and Natural Resources and Environment ministries have been without ministers since May, following the resignations of Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
The post of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister is vacant after Datuk Ewon Benedick resigned on Nov 8, following the withdrawal of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) from the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition.
Other ministers whose first Senate term ends soon include Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar.
Hisomuddin said minor portfolio changes may be implemented by the prime minister to ensure smooth governance.
"I believe most ministers will remain in their current positions.
"With just over a year and a half remaining, it takes time for ministers to acclimate to their portfolios. Major changes could disrupt government operations."
Associate Professor Dr Mazlan Ali of the UTM Perdana Centre agreed, noting that Johari could also be moved to the Economy Ministry.
He added that Khairy's return to the Cabinet remains a possibility, along with appointments of experienced technocrats to strengthen the team.
"Among coalition parties, there are many potential candidates, especially from Barisan Nasional," Mazlan said.
"This reshuffle is expected to fill vacant positions and involve minor portfolio changes."
Currently, only Nurul Izzah is considered a strong candidate for PKR representation in the Cabinet.
Other PKR figures, such as Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail, are seen as more closely aligned with Rafizi Ramli, limiting their Cabinet prospects.
"For Umno, credible names include Asyraf Wajdi and Reezal Merican, who have demonstrated strong performance in their current roles," he said.
"From Amanah, Adly Zahari could be promoted from deputy minister to minister, with his former position filled by party figures such as Shah Alam MP Azli Yusof."
Mazlan added that such adjustments would maintain Amanah and PKR's positions as key partners within the unity government and the Pakatan Harapan coalition. - NST

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