KUALA LUMPUR: Former Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar has congratulated his successor Steven Sim Chee Keong over the latter's appointment as the new minister.
Following his removal as a cabinet member, Sivakumar said he would continue to serve as the Batu Gajah member of parliament and support the unity government.
"Congratulations to Sim on the appointment as the new human resources minister replacing me and I wish you all the best (in the new role).
"I will continue to serve as the people's representative at the Batu Gajah parliamentary and will continue to support the Madani government," he said in a statement, today.
Meanwhile, Sivakumar also thanked Anwar for entrusting him with the human resources portfolio for the past year.
"At the same time, thank you to all the ministry's staff who have greatly assisted and supported me in leading the ministry and for always being proactive in improving the ministry.
"Thank you as well to all agencies under the ministry that have always been open to collaborating with me and other parties.
"In just one year, the collaboration between the ministry and other agencies under my supervision has successfully achieved many things and I am very proud of all of you."
Earlier today Anwar announced several changes in the federal cabinet line-up and said the decision was made after discussing with leaders of parties in the unity government. (reference: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/12/989335/reshuffle-anwars-new-c...)
The new line-up also saw the removal of Sivakumar as the human resources minister, the only minister who was dropped in the cabinet reshuffle.
Anwar's restructured cabinet now comprises 31 ministers, supported by 29 deputy ministers.
This represents a slight increase from his initial cabinet of 28 members, with assistance from 27 deputy ministers.
Among key changes include the appointment of Employee Provident Fund chief executive officer Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan as the Finance Minister II, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani as the Plantation and Commodities minister and the return of Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad as Health Minister.