DEPUTY Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has dismissed speculation of a Cabinet reshuffle, asserting that such matters remain the sole prerogative of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“Not once has there been any discussion in the Cabinet to reorganise it, never. That is the absolute right of the Prime Minister, who has full authority to reshuffle the Cabinet and appoint whoever should be a member of the Council of Ministers or a Deputy Minister,” he told reporters after attending the monthly assembly of the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development today.
He clarified that a special Cabinet meeting held this afternoon was convened solely to discuss Sabah’s claim for 40 percent of state revenue as ruled by the High Court. “This afternoon’s discussion specifically concerns the 40 percent claim requested by Sabah as determined by the High Court,” he said.
Speculation of a Cabinet reshuffle had arisen following three ministerial vacancies and the conclusion of one minister’s term as a Senator.
The vacant portfolios include the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability. Most recently, Datuk Ewon Benedick resigned as Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, further fuelling talk of changes.
In the same event, Zahid, who also serves as Minister of Rural and Regional Development, announced that the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Act 1966 will be amended to strengthen governance and maintain the agency’s relevance.
He said the amendment is crucial given MARA’s current position as a conglomerate with assets exceeding RM23 billion.
“MARA must be managed in the best way possible and return to its original core business in line with its founding purpose. Mistakes by past leadership must be corrected.
“We must prove that MARA is on the right track and, God willing, with its existing assets, investments, and profits, MARA will be self-sustaining in financing all activities outlined under the Bumiputera Economic Congress,” he said.
Zahid added that MARA has been given six months to draft the legislative amendment.
He also revealed that amendments to the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 are in their final stages, having received the consent of state governments.
“The most important aspect is the agreement of state governments because the amendments involve land matters and other areas under their jurisdiction. At the ministry and Department of Orang Asli Development levels, this issue has been resolved, and I have presented it at the recent Conference of Menteri Besar,” he said.
The amendments aim to strengthen and safeguard the rights of the Orang Asli community, covering seven key areas: land, education, health, economy, leadership, infrastructure, and culture. - November 11, 2025
