Three ministers, including Zaliha and Na’im, dropped from new Cabinet

PUTRAJAYA – Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa and Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar have been dropped from the new Cabinet line-up announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

In the announcement made earlier, Anwar said Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh will replace Zaliha, while Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Zulkifli Hassan has been promoted to full minister, taking over from Na’im.

Also removed is Deputy Unity Minister K. Saraswathy, whose position will be filled by R. Yuneswaran.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to record my appreciation to the ministers and deputy ministers who have previously contributed their service through their ministries and to the nation,” Anwar said on Tuesday.

He added that the government needed to make several adjustments following vacancies in the Cabinet, while ensuring focus remains on driving stronger economic growth and addressing public concerns.

“As is well known, there were a number of vacancies in the Cabinet and there was a need to make some adjustments so the Cabinet can function as a cohesive team,” Anwar said.

This reshuffle marks the second conducted by the Prime Minister, following the first on Dec 12, 2023, when Anwar’s administration passed its one-year mark.