PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced plans to consult with party leaders within the Unity Government before unveiling a minor Cabinet reshuffle expected to address recent ministerial vacancies.
Speaking after Friday prayers at Masjid Cyberjaya 10, Anwar stressed that while he retains the prerogative to make final decisions, he values the perspectives of coalition partners.
“Some ministerial posts are vacant. Let me discuss with colleagues. Indeed, it is within the prerogative of the Prime Minister to seek the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. But, as usual, in the democratic process, I respect the views of my friends and party leaders. I will hear their opinions, and the final decision will be made shortly,” he said.
The planned reshuffle, described by Anwar as minor, is intended to fill gaps created by the departure of ministers, with the government’s current Cabinet expected to remain in office for roughly another one and a half years until the end of his administration.
Among the vacancies are the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) following the conclusion of Senator Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz’s two-term tenure, the Ministry of Economy after Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli’s resignation, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability following Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad’s exit. On November 8, Minister for Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Ewon Benedick also resigned.
Separately, Anwar addressed ongoing concerns over alleged police misconduct in criminal shootings, calling for transparency and strict adherence to the rule of law.
“I have directed the Inspector-General of Police to conduct investigations openly and professionally, without protecting anyone. We do not shield criminals, but we also ensure that actions, including those by police officers, which contravene legal procedures, are thoroughly investigated,” he said.
He emphasised that the government will not interfere with police operations but expects matters that conflict with established procedures to be examined openly.
“While we welcome PDRM’s firmness in acting against criminals and lawbreakers, I urge that complaints regarding actions that contradict proper processes be investigated transparently.
“For instance, deaths in custody or shootings — I do not intervene in how they are executed, but I am concerned if rules are perceived as being disregarded,” he said.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid calls from the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) and the Malaysian Bar Council for an independent commission to investigate the deaths of three suspects shot by police in Durian Tunggal, Melaka, on November 24, following an alleged attack on officers.
Deputy MIC President Datuk Seri M Saravanan and Bar Council President Datuk Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab described the formation of a federal special task force as a responsible measure to ensure professional, transparent, and integrity-driven handling of the case.
“The concerns raised by the victims’ families and their lawyers must not be taken lightly. Audio recordings, reportedly contradicting the initial police statement that the shootings were in self-defence, raise serious questions that must be fully and independently investigated,” Saravanan said.
The Prime Minister’s statements underline the dual focus of his administration: navigating imminent Cabinet adjustments while reinforcing accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies. - December 5, 2025
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