ALOR STAR: The cabinet reshuffle unveiled by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today signals responsiveness to constructive criticisms and suggestions regarding his administration over the past year.
According to Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar, this strategic move would allow ministers to concentrate on their specific portfolios, ultimately enhancing the performance of the unity government.
"I believe Datuk Seri Anwar has taken into account all constructive criticisms and suggestions on the performance of his cabinet in the past one year in making the changes.
"For instance, the move to split the Communications and Digital Ministry into two ministries showed that there were issues since the ministry was among the ministries that came under criticism from many quarters.
"As such, the ministers concerned should come up with a clear direction on how to further improve their performance," he said when contacted.
Mahfuz, also Kedah Pakatan Harapan chairman, reminded ministers had been retained in the cabinet not to rest on their laurels.
"It's crucial for them not to presume that their retention is solely based on past efforts. Instead, they must redouble their efforts to enhance the performance of the ministries entrusted to them," he emphasised.
Mahfuz also thanked Anwar for appointing Amanah Strategic director Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad the health minister.
"It is an honour for Dr Dzulkefly. He should have been appointed (the health minister) from the start (during the formation of the unity government cabinet last year) to continue with the duties entrusted to him before this.
"I wish to thank Datuk Seri Anwar for having faith in Dr Dzulkefly," he said.