KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 — Three Cabinet posts are now vacant, with another expected to open soon as a Senate term nears its end, fuelling renewed speculation of a year-end reshuffle.
The ministries affected are Economy; Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability; Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives; and Investment, Trade and Industry.
Datuk Ewon Benedick quit as entrepreneur development and cooperatives minister yesterday, citing disagreement with the Attorney-General’s Chambers over the Kota Kinabalu High Court’s October 17 ruling on Sabah’s entitlement to 40 per cent of federal revenue collected in the state.
His departure followed the earlier resignations of Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad from the economy and natural-resources portfolios, after both lost in PKR’s internal elections in May.
Meanwhile, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz’s second Senate term is due to end in December, though he has signalled plans to remain active in politics.
Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani are temporarily managing the economy and natural-resources ministries.
According to the New Straits Times (NST), three of the four portfolios are held by Pakatan Harapan appointees and are expected to remain under the coalition, while discussions with Barisan Nasional may determine the fourth.
Within PKR, potential replacements reportedly include deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar and vice-presidents Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
In Sabah, Upko honorary president Datuk Seri Madius Tangau has also been mentioned as a possible successor to Ewon.
For Tengku Zafrul’s portfolio, speculation has centred on former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin and Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, who currently heads the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade).
Under Reezal’s tenure, Matrade recorded a 5.7 per cent rise in exports last year, with total trade reaching RM1.51 trillion.
Speculation over a reshuffle has so far been played down by government leaders. On June 1, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said there was “no urgent need” for one, stressing that the unity government remained stable despite recent ministerial changes.
When asked again about the matter on Saturday, he declined to confirm or deny the rumours, replying light-heartedly, “Is that true?” and joking that it could be “either rombak (shuffle) or samba.”
Today, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani similarly said there had been “no discussion or official briefing” on any reshuffle, while Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu noted that the issue may be discussed during a briefing tomorrow.
NST also reported that ongoing Cabinet reshuffle talk has fuelled chatter of a possible early general election, which could coincide with upcoming state polls in Melaka, Sarawak and Johor.
The report noted that discussions have taken place within the unity government on aligning the polls, as the three state assemblies are due to dissolve between December 2026 and April 2027.
This raises the possibility of the federal and state elections being timed closer together for logistical and political efficiency.