Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim dismissed rumors of a Cabinet reshuffle on November 10, 2026, declaring that no such changes are being considered at this time.
It’s too early,
Anwar stated curtly to reporters at the International Construction Week (ICW) 2026 opening ceremony, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
It is too early; I know nothing about a (Cabinet) reshuffle,
he reiterated. Pressed further, the Prime Minister offered a simple, Is that so? He hasn’t told me.
Anwar’s comments came shortly after he officiated the International Construction Week and International Building and Construction Exhibition.
The Prime Minister’s denial, however, did little to quell speculation swirling around two key ministerial posts. Sources cited by Utusan Malaysia suggested a limited reshuffle could be imminent, potentially targeting the Transport Ministry and the Finance Minister II portfolio.
The report indicated any changes would likely be confined to these two positions and would not involve ministers from Umno and Barisan Nasional. This speculation follows the expectation that the Unity Government will address two potential vacancies. It is understood these changes will only involve replacing a DAP representative and a Senator within the administration, with UMNO and BN ministers remaining untouched.
The uncertainty at the Transport Ministry stems directly from Anthony Loke. On September 28, he handed a letter of resignation to Anwar, objecting to DAP’s stance against a conditional pardon that would have permitted former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to finish his prison sentence at home.
Loke formally announced his intention to resign on November 6. He stated his departure would be effective upon Najib’s arrival at his residence and that he would submit an additional letter to Anwar to formalise his departure.
As of Friday (Nov 6), Loke reiterated his position. However, Najib’s proposed house arrest has been placed on hold. The Attorney-General’s Chambers is now seeking clarification on the interpretation and legal implications of the conditional pardon, following the High Court’s order of discharge after Najib settled his RM50 million fine.
Anwar coy on Cabinet reshuffle amid speculation on Loke, Amir Hamzah 👇🧵
A second point of speculation centers on Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. His current term as a senator is due to expire on December 11, 2026. Amir Hamzah was initially appointed to the Dewan Negara for a three-year term beginning on December 12, 2023.
To remain in the Cabinet, Amir Hamzah would need to have his appointment extended.
When asked about the impending expiry, Anwar was noncommittal. Is that so? He has yet to say so,
the Prime Minister responded, adding that Amir Hamzah hasn’t said anything to him about the matter.
The political backdrop is equally fraught. Anwar's Pakatan Harapan and Umno, a key government coalition partner, have grown tense because of direct electoral contests in recent state elections. Umno president and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has publicly demanded an early general election, whereas Anwar has consistently emphasized that his main focus is on restoring the economy and enhancing public welfare.
It is too early,
Anwar concluded, leaving the door to the future Cabinet firmly shut, for now.
