THE Democratic Action Party (DAP) has no plans to reshuffle its ministers if there is a possibility of a federal Cabinet reordering following its top leadership changes at the party’s polls, said its secretary-general
Loke, in a interview today said he dismissed speculation that a Cabinet reshuffle involving DAP ministers could happen at the end of the year, coinciding with the expiry of Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz’s term as a Senator in December.
“I don’t see any need for that. If anyone says we’re going to reshuffle the DAP ministerial line-up in December, that is just speculation. I have no such plan at the moment,” Sinar Harian cited him saying during a Chinese-language podcast discussing his second term as DAP secretary-general and the party’s new Central Executive Committee (CEC) leadership.
Loke stressed that the outcome of the party’s internal elections on March 16 would not affect the appointments of DAP’s ministers and deputy ministers in the Unity Government.
Currently, two DAP representatives serving in Cabinet — Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M Kulasegaran — are not part of the new CEC lineup. Lim lost in the recent party elections, while Kulasegaran did not contest.
Commenting on Lim’s performance, Loke said the public could make their own assessment but maintained that she had done her job competently.
“She hasn’t made any major mistakes. Besides, she is also the DAP secretary for Penang. Each state needs balanced representation, and that’s one of the factors we consider,” he said.
Loke reiterated that all Cabinet appointments are made based on a holistic approach, taking into account geographical representation and overall contribution.
Meanwhile, Tengku Zafrul, who currently serves as the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, had earlier confirmed in a BFM radio interview on March 3 that he would step down in December when his Senate term ends. He also ruled out contesting in a by-election to return to Parliament and remain in Cabinet.
His exit has fuelled speculation that a Cabinet reshuffle could take place at the end of the year to fill the vacant ministerial role.
The upcoming Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) party elections, scheduled for May, have also sparked discussion about the potential for further adjustments within the Cabinet of the Unity Government. – April 19, 2025
