Fadhlina Sidek Faces a Stark Vulnerability as Cabinet Shake-Up Approaches
06-Dec-2025, 08:30
Analysts contend that the education minister stands at the greatest risk as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim gears up to reveal a refreshed Cabinet, with calls intensifying for the inclusion of technocrats to lead the economy.
PETALING JAYA:
Education minister Fadhlina Sidek appears to be the most exposed figure, according to political analyst Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara, as Anwar prepares to unveil a new Cabinet lineup.
Azmi notes that ministers from Pakatan Harapan are particularly vulnerable because Anwar wields broad discretion over appointments.
In contrast, he argues, removing ministers from other parties would be more challenging since they would seek to preserve their parliamentary quotas.
“So, I would say that the most vulnerable is Fadhlina,” he told FMT.
“Perhaps she’ll be reassigned to another ministry. That might be the best path for Anwar.”
Fadhlina, who serves as Wanita PKR chief, has faced mounting calls to resign following a string of troubling school incidents involving murder, rape, and bullying.
She has acknowledged her weaknesses and said the criticism fuels her drive to improve.
Azmi suggested that some ministers could perform better in different roles, proposing, for example, that Zambry Abdul Kadir could be suited for the foreign affairs portfolio, while Mohamad Hasan might be better placed elsewhere.
He also recommended bringing in non-partisan professionals to strengthen the government’s economic team, emphasizing the need for individuals with robust economic credentials.
“More technocrats should be brought in to win the public’s confidence. The economy is the priority, and Amir Hamzah (Azizan) is already handling that,” he said.
“Appoint more professionals who aren’t tied to any political party or party agenda as senators with a view to promoting them to ministers.”
James Chin of the University of Tasmania anticipates the reshuffle will be more of a modest recalibration than a sweeping overhaul.
“It isn’t really a reshuffle. It’s about bringing in new people to fill vacancies. If Anwar makes changes, they’re likely to target deputy ministers, since some roles have become redundant,” he commented.
Chin added that promotions won’t hinge solely on performance, noting that none of the current ministers have delivered exceptional results.
He highlighted transport minister Loke Siew Fook as the only senior figure relatively free of controversy and observed that Fadhlina has long been perceived as underperforming.
“Education in Malaysia is highly politicised. Making meaningful changes is challenging, especially with the rise of political Islam, making this a fraught portfolio,” he said.
Chin also pointed to the home ministry as particularly difficult due to corruption allegations involving the police, immigration, and other enforcement agencies.
“However, replacing the minister isn’t simple because it’s a strategic ministry that must remain under PKR’s control and be led by someone Anwar trusts most, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail,” he asserted.
The Prime Minister’s Office announced on Wednesday that a Cabinet reshuffle—Anwar’s second since taking office in November 2022—will occur soon.
Currently, four Cabinet posts remain vacant: economy; natural resources and environmental sustainability; entrepreneur development and cooperatives; and investment, trade and industry.
Interim arrangements have been put in place: Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan has assumed the economy portfolio, while Plantations and Commodities Minister Johari Ghani is handling natural resources and environmental sustainability.
These vacancies followed the mid-year resignations of PKR members Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi is overseeing the entrepreneur development and cooperatives portfolio, left vacant after the resignation of Upko president Ewon Benedick last month.
Subscribe to our newsletter to have the latest news delivered to your inbox.
