Malaysian Cabinet reshuffle: Dy PM Muhyiddin replaced; MIC leader Palanivel ousted

KUALA LUMPUR: Marking a change in the political situation, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has been dropped from the Cabinet by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi takes his place. Seven new ministers and nine new deputy ministers have also been appointed. Particularly unsettling for the Indian community was the removal of former MIC president Datuk Seri G Palanivel from the Cabinet.

In a statement, Muhyiddin said he accepted the decision with an open heart. “I also thank all the heads of departments, government officials, non-governmental organisations and all those who have supported me throughout my tenure as the deputy prime minister.

“I accept this decision with an open heart and respect the prime minister’s prerogative to elect and drop any cabinet members,” he said in a statement issued on Facebook.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has since announced a Cabinet reshuffle that sees Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi appointed Deputy Prime Minister, as well as seven new ministers and nine new deputy ministers.

Najib told a press conference in Putrajaya that the new line-up will strengthen the Cabinet to face challenges in managing the country before the 14th general election.

He said the decision to replace Muhyiddin and make appointments of new ministers was taken due to political considerations and administrative needs.

In the reshuffle, former MIC president Datuk Seri G Palanivel was also dropped from the Cabinet on Tuesday. He said he would continue to serve the Indian community and the nation. He was the Natural Resources and Environment Minister. His portfolio goes to Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar from Sarawak.

"Rest assured that I will continue with my fight for justice for MIC and the Indian community for as long as it takes and as long as my supporters want me. I have dedicated my life to fighting for the Indian community politically," he said in a statement.

Now the MIC has only one minister in the Cabinet. He is Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S Subramaniam.

July 28, 2015