PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today alluded that he will undertake a cabinet reshuffle of his unity government, which celebrated its first year anniversary last month, before end of this year.
The prime minister said this during a light exchange with 12-year-old Mohd Akmal Afif Yaseer Arafat, who joined members of the media during a door-stop press conference in front of Putra Al-Amin surau at Fasa 4C of Presint 18 here today.
The conversation started when Anwar asked Akmal Afif, who is a pupil of SK Putrajaya Presint 8 (2) here, on the question that the boy wanted to ask him.
Taking a cue from reporters, Akmal Afif proceeded to ask the prime minister when the latter will undertake a reshuffle of his unity government cabinet.
Anwar later responded by asking Akmal Afif on when the boy wanted him to carry out the cabinet reshuffle.
"He (Akmal Afif) said before 2024. Therefore, I agree with his (Akmal Afif's proposal on the Cabinet reshuffle)," Anwar, in jest, told reporters before he left the premises.
The friendly exchange between Anwar and Akmal Afif not only caught the attention of the people who were still waiting to shake hands with the prime minister, but also members of the media.
Akmal Afif later told reporters that he was nervous but happy that he had finally met Anwar in person.
"Before this, I only saw him from the television. Today, I finally got the chance to meet the prime minister in person.
"I am happy not only that I got the chance to meet him but also have a brief interview with the prime minister.
"I was nervous and happy at the same time," Akmal Afif said.
Earlier, Anwar joined a congregation of Muslims to perform the Friday prayers at the surau.
Present to receive the prime minister upon his arrival at the surau at 12.55pm was Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar.
Anwar and Mohd Na'im later proceeded to listen to the Friday prayer sermons entitled "Memaknakan Kekayaan dengan Berzakat", loosely translated as making wealth meaningful through zakat.
The surau's first imam Amirul Aqif Ismail led the congregation of about 2,000 people including Anwar and Na'im to perform Friday prayers.
Later, Anwar and Na'im joined committee members of the surau and the people to have launch at the premises.