THE Madani Government Cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last Tuesday is not merely about who was promoted or dropped, but an early test of whether the new line-up can ease perceptions raised by several parties.
Among the most attention-grabbing decisions was the removal of Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa from the portfolio of Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), which was replaced by DAP leader Hannah Yeoh.
More surprising was the appointment of Datuk Lo Su Fui from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), a non-Bumiputera deputy minister, to the same ministry.
This political calculation resulted in the Federal Territories Ministry being led by two non-Malay leaders for the first time in history.
The decision sparked concerns that it could potentially open space for certain political agendas, including sensitive issues such as local authority elections and the Urban Renewal Bill.
Strong reactions came not only from Pas and Malay non-governmental organisations (NGOs), but were also voiced by key figures within Umno.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki reminded the government not to take lightly the sentiments that arose following the appointments.
“Why is the Federal Territories Minister a Chinese DAP leader and the deputy minister also a Chinese leader from GRS?
“What will happen to the fate of urban Bumiputera?” Asyraf wrote in a Facebook post.
He also raised the question of whether the appointment signalled the early implementation of local authority elections, stressing that the government must be prepared to answer substantive questions that are being widely discussed by the public.
The controversy surrounding the new Cabinet did not stop there.
The appointment of former student activist Adam Adli Abdul Halim as Deputy Higher Education Minister, as well as religious activist Marhamah Rosli as Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), also attracted negative reactions from netizens.
Adam is remembered as a vocal figure who demanded the abolition of National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) during the Barisan Nasional era, while Marhamah has been linked to past allegations involving fundraising, gold investment schemes and New Age missionary movements.
Commenting on the polemic, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) political analyst Dr Abdul Aziz Azizam said the appointment of non-Bumiputera ministers and deputy ministers to the Federal Territories Ministry was difficult to avoid triggering unease among sections of the Malay community in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan.
He said the ministry has direct implications for local authority powers, urban planning, land management, housing and urban governance.
“These concerns need to be understood within the context of Malaysia’s urban demographic structure, where the majority are still Malays.
“Hence, there is a perception that this portfolio traditionally functions as a mechanism of power balance,” he said.
Aziz added that Hannah’s appointment had revived long-standing debates on local authority elections, which affect the level of public trust in the government.
Touching on the issue of Marhamah, Aziz emphasised that the polemic stemmed from questions of suitability and unclear public communication.
He added that the lack of a clear and comprehensive explanation for an appointment had created room for speculation that decisions were driven by political loyalty.
Meanwhile, MCA Youth secretary Saw Yee Fung opined that Cabinet appointments should be assessed based on ability, experience and administrative competence, rather than ethnic background alone.
“Issues such as local authority elections and the Urban Renewal Bill are part of Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto promises.
“Therefore, I place my hopes on Hannah to prove her ability to manage the Federal Territories professionally and inclusively,” he said.
Regarding Adam, Saw hoped that the former Angkatan Muda Keadilan chief would focus on realistic reforms, including improvements to income-based PTPTN repayments and reforms to the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) 1971.
Meanwhile, Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi sarcastically commented on Adam's appointment, saying that holding power is not as easy as being in opposition.
Puad also gave the young leader a 100-day period to carry out reforms.
Both Aziz and Saw agreed that all newly appointed ministers and deputy ministers should be given a specific 100-day period to prove their ability to address criticism or controversies that arise.
“It is reasonable for ministers and deputy ministers to present a ‘report card’ since they are accountable to voters and the people.
“One hundred days may be too short for full policy reform implementation.
“However, at the very least, ministers should be able to prepare a framework, policy scope and reform plan together with a practical implementation timeline for that period.
“This will also allow the public to reassess the performance of all office holders in the upcoming 16th General Election,” Saw added.
Controversial ministers: The 100-day test
>Hannah Yeoh (Federal Territories Minister)
Controversy arose following her appointment alongside Datuk Lo Su Fui, making the ministry led by two non-Malay leaders for the first time. Concerns centre on local authority elections and the Urban Renewal Bill.
100-day test: Clarify the direction of the Federal Territories and ease ethnic-based perceptions.
>Adam Adli Abdul Halim (Deputy Higher Education Minister)
Linked to his earlier demands for the abolition of PTPTN during his time as an activist.
100-day test: Prove realistic reforms to PTPTN and AUKU.
>Marhamah Rosli (Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department – Religious Affairs)
Associated with allegations involving fundraising and New Age movements, which have been denied.
100-day test: Demonstrate transparency, clear communication and build public confidence.