Cabinet reshuffle normal, no need to dissolve Parliament, says Fuziah

Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Fuziah Salleh has stated that the government retains majority support and should concentrate on pressing matters like tackling the escalating cost of living, generating employment, and pursuing institutional reforms. In a Facebook post, the PKR secretary-general emphasized that the government possesses majority backing and ought to prioritize pressing matters such as addressing rising living expenses, job creation, and institutional reforms.

Fuziah's comments came in response to Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's suggestion that dissolving Parliament would be preferable to reshuffling the Cabinet, which would enable the government to seek a renewed mandate. Fuziah asserted that a Cabinet reshuffle is an integral part of enhancing administrative capability, and should not be leveraged as a reason to reignite political instability that Malaysia has previously encountered.

The minister further asserted that disagreements among leaders can be addressed, but political maneuvering should not be permitted to jeopardize the stability that Malaysia is striving to build. Fuziah cautioned that the nation should not forfeit its hard-earned stability solely due to an unwarranted fixation on political power and positions.

She reminded that the political instability experienced between 2020 and 2022, during the Covid-19 pandemic, job losses, and surging living costs, should serve as a reminder of the significance of political stability.

Fuziah contended that efforts to enhance governance, combat corruption, and fortify national institutions necessitate policy continuity and a stable administration. Zahid, who serves as the Umno president, opined that it would be more beneficial to seek a fresh mandate via a general election prior to forming a new Cabinet. His remarks emerged amidst speculation of a Cabinet reshuffle following the conclusion of Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan's term as a senator on December 11, and Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook's resignation on the same day.