Malaysian PM Anwar names new trade, economy ministers in cabinet reshuffle

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim named new trade and economic ministers on Tuesday, reshuffling his cabinet in a bid to stabilise his administration and fill several vacancies arising from resignations and expired senate terms.

The Southeast Asian nation has enjoyed steady economic growth and a boost in foreign investment since Anwar took office in November 2022. But his administration has been rocked by internal disagreements among cabinet members and public discontent over rising living costs.

Two ministers resigned in May after losing their leadership positions in the premier's party, while a third quit last month due to unhappiness over the federal government's position on state rights.

"There is a need for an adjustment so that the cabinet can work as a team, focus on generating better economic growth and addressing the people's problems," Anwar said in a televised announcement.

He last made major changes to his cabinet in December 2023 following a dip in opinion polls at the time, amid concerns over the state of the economy, inflation and the slow pace of promised reforms.

Malaysia's cabinet comprises elected federal and state lawmakers from both houses of parliament, as well as appointed senators in the upper house.

Anwar named Johari Abdul Ghani, who previously served as plantations and commodities minister, as trade minister - replacing Tengku Zafrul Aziz who led Malaysia's negotiations with the United States on tariff issues.

TRADE DEAL WITH US

Malaysia and the United States signed a deal in October that would maintain US tariffs imposed on most Malaysian goods at 19 percent.

Tengku Zafrul's senatorship expired on Dec 2 and he has since been appointed as chair of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority.

Anwar also appointed Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir as economy minister and Arthur Joseph Kurup as natural resources and environmental sustainability minister, replacing Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad after their resignations in May.

Anwar further announced changes to the posts of deputy finance minister, as well as human resources, federal territories, and sports ministers.

Other key portfolios such as defence, foreign, and home (interior) affairs, however, remained unchanged.

Malaysia faces challenges with economic growth projected in a range of 4 percent and 4.8 percent this year and 4 percent and 4.5 percent in 2026, slowing from 5.1 percent in 2024 due to uncertainties around global trade and tariffs.

The government is also seeking to implement further reforms to its public subsidy programmes to boost revenue and align economic goals with a five-year plan announced in July.

The cabinet reshuffle could also be seen as a turning point for the government ahead of the next general election, which must be held by early 2028.

Anwar's coalition was trounced in an election in Sabah state last month, the first in a series of regional votes over the coming months that will test support for the premier ahead of the national polls.