KUALA LUMPUR - Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced his refreshed Cabinet, featuring several shifts in major ministerial posts in a special announcement broadcast live at 3.30pm, today.

Anwar said the changes are aimed at strengthening teamwork within the Cabinet and addressing pressing public concerns. 

One of the most significant changes is the naming of Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir as the new Minister of Economy, assisted by Deputy Datuk Indera Shahar Abdullah, tasked with guiding economic policy amid slowing growth forecasts.

Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani from UMNO has been appointed Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, taking over from Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz following the expiration of his senate term.

On the other hand, Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan took over as Minister of Human Resources, supported by Deputy Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, with labour policy and migrant workforce issues high on his agenda.

Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad was appointed Minister of Plantation and Commodities, with Datuk Huang Tiong Sii as her deputy, emphasizing the sector’s key contribution to both exports and employment.

Former Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong has been reassigned to lead the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives.

Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup became Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, a key role for disaster, climate and land‑use policy.

Today’s announcement concluded months of speculation that the Prime Minister would fill vacancies left by some of his closest PKR allies, addressing criticism of a Cabinet seen by some as underperforming.

Speculation over imminent Cabinet changes had intensified after Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz stepped down from his role as Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry earlier this month, creating a fourth vacant ministerial post.

Tengku Zafrul had served two consecutive terms as a senator since 2020, holding the trade portfolio throughout his Senate tenure, which is the maximum allowed period.

Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad left his post as Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability in May, while Ewon Benedick resigned as Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives in November ahead of the Sabah state elections.

Ewon’s departure was linked to disputes with the federal government regarding Sabah’s 40% share of federal net revenue from the state.

In addition, Anwar also said the reshuffle also fills posts vacated by resignations and expired terms, and comes as the government tackles issues like inflation, cost of living and public sector reform.

Observers say the new Economy Minister will need to balance growth with social stability as Malaysia’s growth is projected to slow this year and next.

The Human Resources Ministry faces challenges to improve protections for migrant workers, who form a large part of Malaysia’s labour force.

Stakeholders in business and labour groups will watch how the new ministers address workforce rules, investment, and climate sustainability as they settle into their roles.