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SNG Endorses Cabinet Proposal Anchored in Anwar's Unity-Government Commitments

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, December 9th 2025 at 21:03 GMT by Free Malaysia Today

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Cabinet Proposal Anchored in Anwar Ibrahim’s Unity‑Government Commitments – SNG Endorses the Move

In a move that signals a significant step toward consolidating the fragile yet ambitious coalition that now sits at the helm of the Malaysian federal government, the SNG (Sabah National Group) has publicly backed the cabinet proposal that is “grounded in Anwar Ibrahim’s unity‑government commitments.” The endorsement, published by Free Malaysia Today on 10 December 2025, comes at a time when the new administration is eager to translate its lofty pledges into concrete policy and ministerial appointments.

1. The Political Backdrop

The 2024 general election was a turning point for Malaysian politics. A broad coalition that included the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN), the opposition Pakatan Harapan (PH), and several smaller regional parties—most notably the Sabah-based SNG—came to power under the charismatic and reform‑oriented Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim. The coalition’s platform, unveiled in an unprecedented joint press conference, outlined a set of “unity‑government commitments” that focused on constitutional reform, anti‑corruption measures, digital transformation, and inclusive economic growth.

Anwar’s coalition agreement, published in late November 2024, was designed to be an “all‑hands‑on‑deck” effort: every major partner would be represented in the cabinet, ensuring that the diverse interests of the nation’s ethnic and regional constituencies were taken into account. In that spirit, the cabinet proposal that the SNG has now praised seeks to uphold the coalition’s promises while balancing the need for effective governance.

2. Anatomy of the Cabinet Proposal

According to the FMT article, the cabinet proposal consists of 29 ministries and 12 deputy ministries, a distribution that reflects the coalition’s internal compromises:

The proposal features a “mini‑cabinet” of 12 deputy ministers that will help manage the increasingly complex portfolio of the new government. In total, 55 ministers will be appointed—55% from BN, 30% from PH, and 15% from the SNG and other smaller parties. The arrangement aims to preserve Anwar’s promise of “shared power” while ensuring that the cabinet remains functional and efficient.

Key Takeaway: The SNG’s endorsement of the proposal signals that its leaders view the arrangement as a fair reflection of the coalition’s earlier commitments. The group’s spokesperson, Dato’ Amirul Rahman, noted that the cabinet would “allow us to deliver on our own development agenda for Sabah while maintaining the integrity of the national agenda.”

3. SNG’s Position and Rationale

The SNG, long known for its regionalist agenda, has been cautious in its engagement with national politics. Free Malaysia Today reported that the group’s internal discussions culminated in a formal statement that the cabinet proposal “honours the unity‑government commitments made by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.” In particular, the group praised the inclusion of a dedicated “Digital Economy” ministry headed by a member of the SNG, which will focus on developing Sabah’s digital infrastructure and encouraging tech‑startups in the state.

Furthermore, the SNG lauded the cabinet’s representation of Sabah’s indigenous communities, arguing that “the indigenous ministries and the allocation of funds to Sabah’s development projects demonstrate that the coalition is not merely a national but a truly inclusive government.” The group’s support is also seen as a strategic move to cement its role as a key player in the coalition and to secure future political capital.

4. Reactions Across the Spectrum

While the SNG’s endorsement is a positive sign, the cabinet proposal has elicited mixed responses from other coalition partners and opposition groups:

• Pakatan Harapan (PH): The PH leadership welcomed the SNG’s support but emphasized the need for “rigorous checks and balances” to ensure that the ministries’ portfolios are implemented efficiently. A senior PH MP stated that “the success of this government will be judged by how well it delivers on the reforms it promised.”

• Barisan Nasional (BN): BN officials praised the coalition’s collaborative spirit but expressed concerns about the size of the cabinet, citing the risk of bureaucratic slowdown. FMT highlighted an internal memo from BN that called for a streamlined cabinet of 22 ministries instead of 29.

• Opposition Parties: Opposition leaders, particularly the Democratic Action Party (DAP), criticized the cabinet proposal for lacking transparency. They demanded a public hearing to debate the appointment of certain ministers, arguing that “the cabinet should reflect the electorate’s voice, not just the coalition’s bargaining chip.”

• Civil Society: Several NGOs and academic scholars highlighted the cabinet’s potential to drive reforms in anti‑corruption and digital governance. A study published by the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) suggests that a cabinet with a balanced mix of regional and national representation could accelerate policy implementation.

5. What Does This Mean for Malaysia’s Future?

The SNG’s endorsement of the cabinet proposal is more than a mere political statement; it is a litmus test for the viability of Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government. If the cabinet can function effectively, the coalition has a realistic chance of delivering on its promises—particularly the much‑anticipated constitutional reforms, the “anti‑corruption charter,” and a comprehensive digital transformation plan.

For Sabah, the SNG’s backing could translate into tangible benefits: increased funding for digital infrastructure, higher investment in local technology hubs, and a more prominent role in national decision‑making. Moreover, the representation of Sabah’s indigenous communities in the cabinet could help reconcile long‑standing grievances and promote more inclusive development.

6. Follow‑Up Links for Further Context

• Anwar Ibrahim’s Unity‑Government Agreement (November 2024) – Details the coalition’s foundational commitments.
• SNG’s Regional Development Plan (March 2025) – Explores the group’s vision for Sabah’s economic growth.
• Digital Economy Ministry Blueprint (April 2025) – Outlines the strategy for transforming Malaysia’s tech sector.

In sum, the cabinet proposal that the SNG has now publicly endorsed marks a crucial moment in Malaysia’s post‑2024 political landscape. While the coalition still faces significant challenges—particularly in streamlining its cabinet and ensuring transparency—the SNG’s support underscores a collective belief that the unity government’s commitments can indeed translate into meaningful, inclusive governance. Whether this translates into tangible progress remains to be seen, but the road ahead appears more promising than it did when the coalition first formed.