Political analysts say Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s latest Cabinet reshuffle represents a recalibration that has strengthened Umno’s position, while DAP appears to have suffered a loss of influence within the unity government.
Perceived downgrade for DAP
Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara described the outcome for DAP as an unsurprising downgrade, noting that although Loke Siew Fook remains transport minister, Steven Sim has been moved from the human resources ministry to the smaller entrepreneur and cooperatives development ministry.
He said DAP’s reduced standing was not unexpected because the party had been pushing hard on issues such as the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate, which has long been a contentious topic.
Stronger role for Umno
In contrast, Azmi said the reshuffle clearly indicated that Umno’s position had improved, pointing in particular to Johari Ghani taking over the investment, trade and industry ministry, which he described as a key portfolio signalling recognition of Umno’s role.
He also cited the promotion of Noraini Ahmad to full minister in charge of the commodities and plantation portfolio as further evidence of Umno’s enhanced status in the Cabinet line-up.
Anwar’s latest Cabinet overhaul, his second since forming the unity government, saw the appointment of 10 new ministers and 18 deputy ministers, while 14 existing ministers were reassigned to different portfolios as part of the wider restructuring.
Among the notable changes were Johari’s move to the investment, trade and industry ministry, Johor Bahru MP Akmal Nasrullah Nasir becoming the new economy minister, and Hannah Yeoh taking over as federal territories minister.
Signal to Malay voters
James Chin of the University of Tasmania said the adjustments involving DAP leaders could be widely interpreted as a message to Malay voters, suggesting that Anwar is hardening his stance towards Chinese representatives in government.
He said the shifting of DAP ministers could be seen as an effort to project a stronger Malay presence in the administration, framing the reshuffle as being largely about appealing to Malay voters ahead of the next general election.
Universiti Utara Malaysia’s Azizuddin Sani said Anwar appeared careful to maintain factional balance within PKR, especially after Rafizi Ramli gave up the economy portfolio following his defeat in the party’s deputy president race in May.
He said it was clear that Rafizi’s camp still has space in the administration, pointing to the appointment of Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, seen as aligned with Rafizi, as a deputy minister as a sign that Anwar does not want PKR to split along factional lines and is instead trying to foster unity.
Attention to Sabah and Sarawak
Universiti Malaya’s Awang Azman Pawi said the reshuffle also showed efforts to avoid marginalising Sabah and Sarawak, reflecting sensitivity to regional representation within the federal Cabinet.
He noted that a Sarawak DAP member, Mas Gading MP Mordi Bimol, was appointed deputy youth and sports minister despite DAP being in the opposition in Sarawak, saying this helped ensure Pakatan Harapan leaders in the state did not feel sidelined, particularly with the Sarawak state election expected at the end of next year.
