At least four ministerial posts are expected to become vacant by the end of this year, as political developments within the ruling coalition signal potential changes ahead.
Two of these vacancies were already known, but two more are now set to follow, including that of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, who announced his resignation this week.
Ewon — who also serves as president of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) — cited disagreement with the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) over its position regarding the High Court of Kota Kinabalu’s October 17 ruling on Sabah’s 40 percent revenue entitlement.
His resignation marks another departure from Pakatan Harapan (PH) ranks, following the earlier resignations of Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli (former Minister of Economy) and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (former Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability). Both stepped down after losing in the PKR party elections in May.
By early December, another vacancy will open when Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz completes his second term as a senator, which automatically ends his eligibility to serve as a minister.
Although Tengku Zafrul has indicated that he intends to remain active in politics, his exit will add to the growing list of empty ministerial seats.
Currently, the Minister of Finance II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan is acting as Minister of Economy, while Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, the Minister of Plantation and Commodities, is temporarily overseeing the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability portfolio.
These developments have intensified speculation that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will announce a minor Cabinet reshuffle in the coming weeks.
Three PH Vacancies, One Independent Post
Of the four vacant posts, three belong to Pakatan Harapan, including two from PKR and one from UPKO. Tengku Zafrul’s position, meanwhile, is technically independent and not tied to any specific political party.
Although Barisan Nasional (BN) has reportedly sought to claim Zafrul’s post, PH leaders argue that the position was never formally allocated to BN during Cabinet negotiations following the 15th General Election (GE15).
Thus, the three PH-linked vacancies are expected to be filled by PKR members and a representative from Sabah, while discussions are ongoing between PH and BN leaders regarding the final slot.
Potential New Ministers: Nurul Izzah and PKR Heavyweights
Speculation is rife that PKR Deputy President Nurul Izzah Anwar could make her debut in the Cabinet. Other strong contenders include the party’s three vice presidents — Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, and Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari — all of whom currently serve as elected Members of Parliament.
Aminuddin, the Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar and MP for Port Dickson, was previously rumored to be considered for the Minister of Economy post, a claim he denied at the time.
Ramanan, the MP for Sungai Buloh, is currently Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, while Amirudin, MP for Gombak, serves as the Selangor Menteri Besar.
Party insiders believe any new appointments should reflect the results of PKR’s latest internal elections, where only one current vice president — Chang Lih Kang — holds a full ministerial portfolio (Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation).
For the UPKO seat vacated by Ewon, former party president and Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Madius Tangau has emerged as a potential replacement. Madius previously served as Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation under Datuk Seri Najib Razak and as Sabah Deputy Chief Minister from 2018 to 2020.
Zafrul’s Replacement and BN Prospects
As for the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry post, speculation continues over possible successors, including former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, who currently chairs the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).
Under Reezal’s leadership, MATRADE recorded notable achievements — including a 5.7 percent increase in exports to RM1.508 trillion in 2024, meeting 87.2 percent of targets set under the 12th Malaysia Plan mid-term review.
MIHAS (Malaysia International Halal Showcase) 2023 achieved Guinness World Record recognition for the “Largest Attendance at a Halal Trade Exhibition,” while MIHAS 2024 posted a record RM4.3 billion in sales, up 34 percent year-on-year.
Talk of an Early General Election
Despite the strong likelihood of a Cabinet reshuffle, some political analysts believe the 16th General Election (GE16) could be called earlier than expected — possibly in 2026.
This theory is supported by ongoing discussions within the Unity Government coalition to synchronize state elections in Melaka, Sarawak, and Johor with a national poll.
The Melaka State Assembly will automatically dissolve on December 26, 2026, followed by Sarawak in February 2027 and Johor in April 2027.
If early elections are indeed called, some of the current vacant ministerial posts may remain unfilled or temporarily managed by acting ministers until Parliament is dissolved.
