Amir Hamzah, Johari to serve in acting roles until new ministers appointed - Anwar

Anwar said that the government is not short of replacement candidates, emphasising that permanent appointments must be made in accordance with the Federal Constitution.

11 Jul 2025 05:42pm
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim met with the congregation before performing the Friday prayers in congregation at the Ar-Rahim Surau here today. Photo by Bernama
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim met with the congregation before performing the Friday prayers in congregation at the Ar-Rahim Surau here today. Photo by Bernama

PUTRAJAYA - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised that the decision to appoint Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan to perform the duties and functions of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability and the Minister of Economy, respectively, is not due to a lack of suitable candidates within the government.

He said that the government is not short of replacement candidates, emphasising that permanent appointments must be made in accordance with the Federal Constitution.

"There is no need to rush. Some people are saying that the government does not have (credible) candidates to appoint, so it has to rely on acting ministers. That’s not true.

"They (Amir Hamzah and Johari) are simply covering these roles until new appointments are made. It’s unfortunate when opposition MPs can’t understand that,” he told reporters after performing Friday prayers at Surau Ar-Rahim here today.

Anwar urged all parties to give Amir Hamzah and Johari the space to carry out their responsibilities effectively without interference.

Chief Secretary to the Government, who also serves as the Cabinet secretary, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, today announced that Johari has been entrusted with the responsibilities and functions of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, effective immediately.

Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. Bernama FILE PIX
Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. Bernama FILE PIX

The appointment was conveyed during the Cabinet meeting on July 9.

On May 28, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad announced his resignation as Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, effective July 4.

Meanwhile, on June 27, Shamsul Azri announced that Amir Hamzah will assume the duties and functions of the Economy Minister, effective immediately, following Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli’s resignation effective June 17.

Amir Hamzah. Bernama FILE PIX
Amir Hamzah. Bernama FILE PIX

Rafizi and Nik Nazmi resigned after failing to retain their positions as PKR deputy president and vice president, respectively, in the party elections in May. - BERNAMA

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Anwar Ibrahim
Johari Abdul Ghani
Amir Hamzah
temporary appointments
acting ministers
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister
Economy
Federal Constitution
government

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