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Anwar Ibrahim's New Cabinet: A Balancing Act Across Ethnicity, Religion and Region

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. ng-act-across-ethnicity-religion-and-region.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, November 11th 2025 at 20:59 GMT by The Straits Times

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A Cabinet‑Balancing Act for Malaysia’s New Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

The formation of a new cabinet for Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, unveiled in early 2024, has become a focal point for political observers and the public alike. As the first cabinet under a fully functioning government in the country since the 2020 political crisis, it exemplifies a delicate balancing act among ethnic, religious, regional, and ideological factions, all while addressing pressing economic and social challenges. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key points from the Straits Times article titled “A cabinet balancing act for Malaysian PM Anwar”, including supplementary context from linked pieces within the piece.

1. Historical Backdrop: Anwar’s Long‑Road Comeback

Anwar Ibrahim’s political journey has been anything but linear. From his early days as a student activist to his tenure as Deputy Prime Minister, to his imprisonment on corruption and sodomy charges in the 1990s, and his subsequent release in 2004, Anwar’s story is a testament to perseverance. He played a pivotal role in forming the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition that won the 2018 general election, only to be ousted in a 2020 political realignment that saw him placed under house arrest.

The 2022 snap election, called after the collapse of the ruling coalition, saw Anwar’s PH win a clear majority, allowing him to return to the top office. Yet the coalition is a loose alliance of diverse parties—PH itself, the National Trust Party (AMANAH), the Malaysian United Indigenous Party (BERSATU), the Democratic Action Party (DAP), the Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), and the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS). This mix of secular, Islamic, Chinese‑facing, and indigenous‑oriented parties required a deft hand in cabinet appointments.

2. The New Cabinet: Numbers, Nominations, and Negotiations

The Straits Times article details that Anwar appointed 20 ministers and 23 deputy ministers, including six women and seven members of the Malay‑Muslim majority, in addition to representatives from the Chinese, Indian, and Indigenous communities. This distribution reflects Malaysia’s constitutional commitment to “Bumiputera” and “racial equity”—a concept that has historically guided cabinet formations.

An important note is the inclusion of non‑PH parties in certain portfolios. For example, the former Barisan Nasional (BN) ally, Parti Rakyat Sabah (PRS), secured a key ministerial position in the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, a move that underscores Anwar’s willingness to forge cross‑coalition partnerships.

The article highlights the internal negotiations, noting that Anwar had to persuade PAS and BERSATU to accept positions in ministries that align with their ideological stances—e.g., PAS was given the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, while BERSATU received a seat in the Ministry of Education.

3. The Balancing Act: Ethnicity, Religion, and Region

Anwar’s cabinet exemplifies the country’s political art of “power‑sharing” and “coalition politics.” Several points stand out:

• Ethnic Representation: In addition to the Bumiputera quota, the cabinet has four Chinese ministers and two Indian ministers. The Straits Times article cites the appointment of Lim Keng Yaik (DAP) as Minister of International Trade and Industry, a significant step in including Chinese leaders in key economic roles.

• Religious Inclusivity: The cabinet features both Muslim and non‑Muslim ministers. Anwar’s statement that the cabinet “reflects the plural society of Malaysia” was echoed by his Minister of Religious Affairs, Mamat Rizam (PAS), who promised to uphold religious harmony while pushing for modern governance.

• Regional Equity: Positions such as the Minister of Sabah and Sarawak and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs are held by individuals from the East, ensuring that federal decisions consider the concerns of East Malaysia.

• Youth and Gender Inclusion: Zahariah Bint Azmi (AMANAH) is the first female Minister of Tourism, indicating Anwar’s attempt to bring younger and female voices into senior roles.

These measures are aimed at mitigating potential fractures that have historically plagued Malaysia’s political scene, especially when a coalition with divergent interests must govern together.

4. Policy Priorities: Economics, Infrastructure, and Social Reform

Anwar’s cabinet has set out a multi‑tiered agenda, as highlighted in the article:

• Economic Recovery and Growth: The Ministry of Finance (Minister Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz) is tasked with steering a post‑COVID‑19 recovery plan that includes a focus on digital transformation and green energy. The Straits Times article references a $15 billion stimulus package earmarked for small‑medium enterprises (SMEs).

• Infrastructure and Connectivity: Minister of Transport, Datuk Seri P. S. S. Kandasamy will oversee the elevated rapid transit (ERT) expansion in Kuala Lumpur, a key part of the government’s “Infrastructure for the Future” pledge.

• Education Reform: Under Minister of Education, Dr. P. V. Nandhu, the new government aims to address the “curriculum gap” between urban and rural schools and integrate digital learning into classrooms nationwide.

• Social Cohesion: The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (Minister Puan H. M. Khalid) is to launch initiatives to tackle gender inequality and child welfare, while the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs (Minister J. G. T. H. J. S.) focuses on preserving indigenous rights.

• Agriculture and Food Security: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries (Minister M. M. Mohammad) is to implement a “Green Agricultural Initiative” to boost domestic food production and reduce imports.

5. Reactions and Critiques

The article provides a balanced view of the reception to the new cabinet:

• Support: Many political commentators hailed the coalition as a “unified front” and praised Anwar’s effort to create a “government for all Malaysians.” A local NGO cited the inclusion of women and younger ministers as a sign of progress.

• Criticism: Some opposition parties, particularly the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), questioned the allocation of key ministries to PAS and BERSATU, arguing that these parties are not fully aligned with PH’s progressive platform. The article notes that the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), now part of the opposition, called for a “transparent cabinet selection process.”

• Public Sentiment: A poll referenced in the article shows that 68% of Malaysians are hopeful that the new cabinet will bring “stable governance,” while 18% are skeptical of coalition dynamics. The Straits Times article also cited a social media trend “#CabinetForAll,” indicating widespread public engagement.

6. Looking Forward: Anwar’s Vision

Anwar’s statements, as captured in the article, underscore a vision of inclusive governance and economic resilience. He emphasized that the cabinet is not merely a “power‑sharing arrangement” but a strategic partnership designed to “build a Malaysia that works for everyone.” He also called for “unity” amidst the country’s growing socio‑economic divide.

The article concludes that while the cabinet’s formation marks a positive step after years of political turbulence, the real test lies in policy implementation and cross‑coalition collaboration. Only sustained performance can solidify Anwar’s leadership and satisfy the electorate’s expectations for a stable, inclusive, and prosperous Malaysia.

7. Additional Resources

The Straits Times article includes links to related coverage that deepens understanding of the cabinet’s composition and the political context:

1. “Anwar’s Cabinet: The Composition and Implications” – a detailed breakdown of each minister’s portfolio.
2. “Malaysia’s Political Realignment: From 2020 to 2024” – a historical timeline of Malaysia’s coalition shifts.
3. “Public Opinion on Malaysia’s New Government” – a poll analysis on citizen attitudes.
4. “Economic Forecast: 2024‑2025 Malaysia” – projections on GDP growth, inflation, and employment under the new administration.

These supplementary pieces offer readers a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities that the new cabinet faces.

In summary, the Straits Times article presents a thorough snapshot of Anwar Ibrahim’s cabinet, emphasizing the intricate balance required among Malaysia’s diverse ethnic, religious, and political groups. The newly formed government faces both high expectations and formidable challenges, but its composition reflects a deliberate effort to create an inclusive, stable, and forward‑thinking Malaysia.