Cabinet reshuffle expected tomorrow, MCA, MIC to return to Cabinet?

KUALA LUMPUR - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to announce a cabinet reshuffle tomorrow, nearly 11 months after the formation of the unity government, a report says.

A source close to the Federal Government told Getaran, The Vibes’ Bahasa Malaysia sister portal, that the important announcement was expected to be made after the post-Cabinet meeting.

"Previously, some said it would just be some small 'changes' but from the information I got, it is going to be a major overhaul," the report said.

The source said the reshuffle will involve several portfolios and major ministries, including the Home Ministry, Human Resources Ministry, Health Ministry and the Youth and Sports Ministry.

"The PM is also expected to name a successor to the late Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister," the source said.

The source also added that the two full ministerial portfolios may be given to MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong and MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan.

"Wee has just retained the (MCA) presidency, while Anwar's recent visit to the MIC headquarters may well indicate the 'return' of MIC to the Cabinet," the source reportedly said.

Speculation about the cabinet reshuffle has been rife in recent weeks, particularly after Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi hinted at it two days ago.

Zahid said one of the factors influencing the reshuffle was the portfolio vacancy resulting from Salahuddin's passing.

The report also revealed that Zahid's name, as well as that of Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa were among those mentioned as being in the reshuffle line-up.