Malaysia PM Anwar seeks to solidify power with return of influential leaders in Cabinet reshuffle

[KUALA LUMPUR] Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim unveiled a new Cabinet line-up on Tuesday (Dec 12), one year after taking office, bringing back familiar faces from the previous government and adding four new ministries.

The Cabinet has been expanded to 60 people, from 55 previously, with 31 ministers (from 28 previously) and 29 deputy ministers (from 27). The newly appointed ministers and deputy ministers were sworn in on Tuesday afternoon at the National Palace.

Other key changes included portfolio swaps and one minister being dropped – V Sivakumar, who was the human resource minister. His portfolio will be taken by former deputy finance minister Steven Sim.