Ministers to watch

NEW & POWERFUL economic affairs Minister datuk Seri azmin ali

Government-linked companies that will be placed under his Ministry include Ekuiti Nasional Bhd, Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Bhd, Perbadanan Nasional Bhd, Felcra Bhd, Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd and Johor Petroleum Development Corp. Azmin continues to wield political clout in the Pakatan Harapan hierarchy as his portfolio will also control the powerful Economic Planning Unit and Federal Land Development Authority. Analysts claim the move to increase Azmin’s influence and curb Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s powers in PKR.

MALAYSIA’S NUMBER 2 women, Family and Community development Minister datuk Seri dr wan azizah wan ismail

Dr Wan Azizah had a rocky start after her Ministry came under fire over a couple of issues, namely Pakatan Harapan’s failure to achieve 30% women representation in Cabinet and its soft approach in banning child marriage.

Following her husband Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s win as the PKR president, speculation has been rife whether she will remain as Deputy Prime Minister for the full five-year term. However, she has made it clear that she has no intention to relinquish her position as the Deputy Prime Minister nor her Pandan MP post.

Despite her reassurances, her political image as being Anwar’s seat warmer has many observers adopting a “wait-and-see” attitude.

ON A STEEP LEARNING CURVE education Minister dr Maszlee Malik

Dr Maszlee Malik’s appointment as Education Minister had a controversial start as the portfolio was initially taken by Dr Mahathir. The former International Islamic University Malaysia lecturer continues to court controversy, be it over testy or trivial issues. From claims of being an alleged supporter of controversial preacher Zakir Naik to undermining Bahasa Malaysia as a national language by recognising UEC to the Ministry’s new black shoes ruling for schools, Dr Maszlee has a tricky role ahead in advancing the nation’s education system to be a fair, progessive and inclusive one.

RENEWED PURPOSE energy, technology, Science, Climate Change and environment Minister yeo bee yin

With a ministry name that reads like a mile long, Malaysia’s youngest female minister hopes to come up with a catchy shorter version. How does Eco Ministry sounds, YB Yeo? The nation’s first climate change Minister kick-started her first month with a loud message to industry players – it’s the end of the “know-who” culture and the start of the “know-how” culture. Yeo, 35, is determined to increase Malaysia’s renewable energy from the current 2% to 20% by 2025 as pledged in the Pakatan Harapan manifesto. Reducing Malaysia’s dependence on coal-fired power plants would also see the development of an energy industry centred around renewable sources.

YOUNG & DASHING youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed abdul rahman

Despite being a political newbie, Syed Saddiq quickly gained celebrity status with his good looks and charming personality, both in Malaysia and in Indonesia, where he had his first overseas working visit. Syed Saddiq’s age – at 26 – is both his strength and weakness. His youthful brand of politics, “Just call me Bro Saddiq”, instead of the usual YB (Yang Berhormat) salutation and down-to-earth personality where he was seen clearing litter at the Bukit Jalil Stadium endeared him to the public. Nevertheless, his maturity and experience in handling the Ministry begs scrutiny. His young team was thrown into the limelight after his press officer Numan Afifi Saadan was forced to resign following criticisms of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activism. But Syed Saddiq won points for sticking to the promise to abolish National Service and the National Civics Bureau (BTN).