The sudden exit of two key members of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s cabinet has thrown his government into a tailspin, with analysts warning that the former ruling Umno may have more bargaining clout over ministerial roles or even return to power at the next general election.
Umno, which was ousted in the 2018 election under corruption-tainted former prime minister Najib Razak after six decades in power, is a key minority partner in Anwar’s unity government. It had appeared destined for a prolonged spell on the sidelines as a result of the 1MDB and other scandals’ ripple effects.
But Anwar’s coalition government has been weakened by the resignations last Wednesday of Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who held the economy and environment portfolios, respectively, and were also senior leaders in the ruling People’s Justice Party (PKR).
On Friday, Trade Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz announced that he was leaving Umno to join PKR, in a decision that would likely alienate supporters of both parties.
As a result of the cabinet turmoil, analysts say Umno may make its first moves to strengthen its position ahead of the next general election, which has to be held by early 2028.
Political analyst Syaza Farhana Mohamad Shukri said Umno might be able to negotiate for better cabinet portfolios from Anwar in exchange for “allowing” Zafrul’s move to PKR.
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