Credit : Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, November 10, 2026 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said it is not yet time to consider a Cabinet reshuffle, even as speculation has grown over possible changes following Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook’s resignation and the coming end of Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan’s term in the Senate.
Asked by reporters at the launch of International Construction Week (ICW) and BuildXpo Malaysia 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) whether the government intended to carry out a reshuffle in the near future, Anwar replied briefly: “It is too early.” Bernama, Malay Mail, the New Straits Times and Free Malaysia Today all reported the same short remark, with some accounts rendering it as “It’s too early” or “It’s still too early.” He did not say when any decision would be made, and he did not name anyone for either post.
Anwar’s comments came amid public discussion of two Cabinet positions. Loke, who is also secretary-general of the Democratic Action Party (DAP), had earlier submitted a resignation letter to the Prime Minister, saying it would take effect once former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak arrived at his residence to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest. Loke has said the decision followed DAP’s objection to the conditional pardon that allows Najib to serve the rest of his term at home.
Later on November 10, after the Kuala Lumpur High Court issued an order for Najib to undergo house arrest, the Ministry of Transport issued a statement in Loke’s name saying his resignation as Transport Minister took effect immediately. The statement, which recorded Loke’s thanks to Anwar and to ministry staff, did not name a successor to the portfolio. Anwar, speaking earlier in the day at MITEC, did not discuss the timing of any appointment or who might take over the ministry.
Bernama noted that Amir Hamzah’s term as a member of the Dewan Negara is due to conclude on December 11, 2026. He was appointed as a senator on December 12, 2023 and was concurrently appointed Finance Minister II. Malay Mail reported that he could retain the portfolio but would need to be reappointed to the Senate and sworn in again before resuming his Cabinet duties. When asked about Amir Hamzah’s position, the New Straits Times quoted Anwar as saying: “Is that so? He has yet to say so.” Free Malaysia Today likewise reported that the Prime Minister said he had yet to hear from Amir Hamzah about the Senate term.
Utusan Malaysia had reported that the unity government was expected to undertake a limited Cabinet change involving the Transport Minister’s post and the Second Finance Minister’s position, rather than a major overhaul. That account was attributed to sources and has not been confirmed by the Prime Minister. Anwar did not address the newspaper’s report in detail, beyond saying that discussion of a reshuffle was premature.
Malay Mail reported that the last Cabinet reshuffle took place on December 16, 2025. Until a new transport minister is named, Loke has said he will cooperate to ensure that the handover of duties proceeds smoothly and that the ministry’s work continues.
Sources: Bernama, Malay Mail, New Straits Times, Free Malaysia Today
About The Author
