Anwar's dilemma grows as allies compete for Cabinet posts
THE resignations of PKR's Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad as economy and natural resources ministers have sparked a race among unity government parties for the vacant Cabinet posts. This has deepened the dilemma faced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
UMNO, eyeing its seventh ministerial slot after Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz's defection to PKR, has proposed names like Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, sources said.
Johari is the current Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister. Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan is also mentioned as a potential interim economy minister.
Meanwhile, Amanah also is pushing for more representation, citing its strong track record, while MIC and MCA demand fairer Barisan Nasional (BN) representation, criticising UMNO's dominance.
While Anwar faces pressure to balance coalition dynamics, both MIC and MCA have so far been denied ministerial posts, though they are under the BN banner, and BN is a loyal party to the Madani regime.
Reports now suggest Johari is among those tipped to act as interim economy minister, replacing Rafizi, who made it clear he is not coming back to Anwar's cabinet. However, Anwar could also appoint Johari, analysts said, as a permanent economy minister in a portfolio swap between UMNO and PKR.
A portfolio swap could happen, but the quota balance remains. Some reports are saying UMNO could propose others to replace Johari at the Commodities, such as Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan or Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
We also have to note that last week, Amanah Johor called on the Prime Minister to allocate more cabinet positions to the party following the resignation of two ministers.
Its deputy chairman Dr Zuhan Zain highlighted Amanah's strong performance and commitment to the unity government, citing leaders like the late Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, and Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
While the vacant posts were previously held by Rafizi and Nik Nazmi, Zuhan argued that UMNO's nomination of non-PKR candidates opens opportunities for all coalition parties to propose their leaders.
On the other hand, UMNO has been reminded not to behave as if it is the sole party representing BN in the coalition government.
MIC strategic director R Thinalan criticised BN chairperson Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's push to maintain UMNO's seven ministerial positions after Tengku Zafrul's departure, calling it disappointing to MIC grassroots.
Thinalan argued that UMNO is not the sole BN representative, questioning why MCA or MIC cannot fill Cabinet roles.
He emphasised that Tengku Zafrul's former ministry belonged to BN, not UMNO exclusively, and insisted that any Cabinet appointments must involve discussions with other BN component parties, highlighting the need for a fairer representation within the coalition government. — June 21, 2025
Main photo credit: Reuters
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