Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi may have proposed dissolving Parliament instead of facing a Cabinet reshuffle because he fears losing his ministerial portfolio, according to former party leader Puad Zarkashi.
A Cabinet reshuffle would be more appropriate than Zahid’s suggestion, Puad said, as the 16th general election is still some way off, Free Malaysia Today reported.
“Zahid is afraid that a Cabinet reshuffle could see him lose his portfolio at the rural and regional development ministry. Not only that, the portfolios of other BN ministers could also change,” Puad said in a Facebook post cited by Free Malaysia Today.
Zahid, who serves as a deputy prime minister, told reporters earlier that dissolving Parliament would be better than a Cabinet reshuffle. He argued that doing so would allow the public to provide a fresh mandate before any new Cabinet is formed, NST Online reported.
Anwar dismisses Cabinet reshuffle talk
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim played down speculation of an imminent administration shakeup, telling reporters on Tuesday that it is “too early” to consider changes, The Star reported. Anwar offered a brief reply when asked about the matter on the sidelines of the International Construction Week 2026 opening ceremony.
Speculation surrounding potential vacancies has centered on two key members of the administration. Transport Minister Anthony Loke submitted his resignation letter to Anwar on Sept 28 after his party, the DAP, opposed a conditional pardon allowing former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest, The Star reported.
Loke has agreed to continue carrying out his ministerial duties while Najib’s house arrest remains on hold pending clarification from the Attorney General’s Chambers.
The second potential vacancy involves Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. His appointment as a senator is due to expire on Dec 11, requiring an extension of his term if he is to remain in the Cabinet, The Star reported. When asked about Amir Hamzah’s upcoming expiration, Anwar stated that he had not yet received information on the matter, The Vibes reported.
Tensions within the unity government
Puad also asserted that Barisan Nasional appeared to be burning its bridges with Pakatan Harapan by drawing up a joint manifesto with PAS for the Melaka state election, Free Malaysia Today reported. He warned that Pakatan Harapan would be viewed as lacking dignity if it failed to enforce the principle of collective responsibility within the unity government.
Noting past occurrences in Malaysian politics, Free Malaysia Today noted that Puad brought up the events of 1987 under former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, when ministers and deputy ministers backing the Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah-led Team B were removed from the Cabinet.
“Let us wait and see whether BN ministers will dare to resign if their portfolios are changed,” Puad said.
| Official | Current Role | Key Development |
|---|---|---|
| Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi | Deputy Prime Minister | Proposed dissolving Parliament over a Cabinet reshuffle |
| Anthony Loke | Transport Minister | Submitted resignation letter on Sept 28 over Najib house arrest dispute |
| Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan | Finance Minister II | Senate term expires on Dec 11 |
According to NST Online, Zahid remarked that Umno leaves the legal matters concerning Najib’s royal addendum order in the hands of the courts, while simultaneously warning against any delaying tactics that might stall the execution of the royal pardon.
