PUTRAJAYA: The vacancy for the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister's position for over three weeks has now raised questions about who is the potential candidate for the portfolio.
This situation has sparked speculation about a potential Cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, after leading the government for nine months.
Although the position is currently held by Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Affairs), several other names have been mentioned to fill the vacancy.
Among them, Adly Zahari, Deputy Minister of Defence and Alor Gajah Member of Parliament, as well as former Health Minister and Kuala Selangor Member of Parliament, Datuk Seri Zulkefly Ahmad, are seen as suitable candidates for the position.
In the eyes of political observers, this responsibility should ideally be undertaken by an individual who possesses similar criteria to the late Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, who passed away on July 23.
This means an individual who can continue the legacy and initiatives of the leader in empowering special programmes for the welfare of the people, known as the "Payung Rahmah".
Amidst these uncertainties, there are also rumours that the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change (NRECC) led by Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad will be divided into two ministries, as the responsibility perceived for the Member of Parliament for Setiawangsa is considered immense.
This is also because NRECC was previously a combination of the Ministry of Environment and Water (KASA) and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (KeTSA).
Under the previous administration, KASA was led by Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, while KeTSA was led by Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.
Additionally, the name of Titiwangsa Member of Parliament, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, is among those speculated to be appointed to a Cabinet position if the Prime Minister conducts a reshuffle within the Ministerial Council.
The former Second Finance Minister's name has often been mentioned in relation to economic or entrepreneurial portfolios due to his extensive experience in the relevant field.
Meanwhile, there are rumours that Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, could be appointed to Anwar's Cabinet in the event of a reshuffle, although this remains mere speculation.
This comes after the Prime Minister confirmed that his Unity Government would retain Amirudin as the Menteri Besar if Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition wins the State Elections, during a speech at an event in Selangor last month.
Finally, the PH and BN coalition successfully maintained their control over Selangor last Saturday, winning 34 out of the 56 contested seats in the State Legislative Assembly (Dewan Undangan Negeri or DUN).
Meanwhile, Dr. Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Administrative Studies and Politics, Faculty of Administrative Science, University of Malaya (UM), is of the opinion that a Cabinet reshuffle is necessary for the Prime Minister to strengthen his administrative machinery.
He said that although the power to appoint a minister lies within the prerogative of the Prime Minister, leaders like Johari should be positioned as the Finance Minister based on their experience and skills in the field of economics.
"In my opinion, Johari is not an ordinary leader and can be appointed as the Finance Minister to simultaneously dispel public criticism that the Prime Minister is doing a 'part-time' job as the Finance Minister."
"Furthermore, Amirudin should be brought to the federal level to provide opportunities for new leadership if he is not appointed as the Chief Minister of Selangor, in addition to his position as the Deputy President within his party," he said.
Regarding the vacancy in the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), he believes it should appropriately be given to Parti Amanah Negara (AMANAH) since the party also possesses a lineup of leaders capable of continuing the legacy left behind by the late Salahuddin.