KUALA LUMPUR: The federal cabinet reshuffle tomorrow is expected to see the introduction of five new faces as well as six portfolio changes.
The key changes are believed to include a change to one of the deputy prime minister posts, the creation of a Finance Minister II post, a return of the Federal Territories Ministry as well as a split of at least two current ministries.
Here's what we know so far.
NEW FACES
Sources indicate that the Finance Minister II post will likely be helmed by Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, chief executive officer of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF). Amir Hamzah joined the EPF in March 2021.
Amir is also the eldest son of the former Petronas chairman and president Tun Azizan Zainul Abidin.
Another surprise addition is widely tipped to be Gobind Singh Deo, who was communications and multimedia minister during Pakatan Harapan's reign in 2018.
The son of the late Karpal Singh, Gobind is believed to be making a return to the current Communications and Digital Ministry, which is expected to be split into two.
Another familiar face set for a return is believed to be Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who will likely be helming the health minister post, replacing Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
Deputy Finance Minister II Steven Sim, meanwhile, will likely replace V. Sivakumar as the Human Resources Minister.
Former finance minister II Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani is also expected to be assuming a ministerial role in the new cabinet.
Meanwhile, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali will continue to helm the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
PORTFOLIO CHANGES
- DR ZALIHA MUSTAFA
Dr Zaliha, currently Health Minister, is expected to become the new Federal Territories Minister. The Federal Territories Ministry was previously dissolved to make way for a Federal Territories Department.
- DATUK SERI FADHILAH YUSOF
Fadillah, who is currently one of the two deputy prime ministers and also Plantation and Commodities Minister, is expected to assume a post in the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry. Sources indicate that this ministry, currently helmed by Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, will be split into two.
- DATUK SERI MOHAMAD HASAN
Mohamad, now the Defence Minister, is expected to be given the role of Foreign Minister. The 67-year-old, who is also Umno deputy president, is likely to take over the role held by Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir.
DATUK SERI ZAMBRY ABD KADIR
Zambry, meanwhile, is expected to assume the Higher Education Minister role. Zambry was also former Perak Menteri Besar from 2009 to 2018.
- DATUK SERI MOHAMED KHALED NORDIN
The Kota Tinggi member of parliament, who is currently Higher Education Minister, is expected to take over the defence ministry portfolio. The Muar native had held the higher education portfolio twice, with the first being in 2018.
- FAHMI FADZIL
The Communications and Digital Ministry, which Fahmi currently helms, is expected to be split into two ministries. Fahmi is expected to helm one ministry focusing on digital aspects while the Gobind will likely be tasked with the communications aspect in another ministry.