Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim renews his cabinet as voters worry about the economy | Politics News

Anwar promises to focus on the economy, education and health by splitting ministries and creating new jobs.

Malaysia's Prime Minister and Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced a major cabinet reshuffle, promising to focus on the economy, health and education amid growing public concerns about the country's economic situation.

At a televised news conference on Tuesday, Anwar appointed Amir Hamzah Azizan, the former chief executive of Malaysia's largest pension fund, as second finance minister.

He also said he would transfer United Malays National Organization (UMNO) deputy president Mohamad Hasan from the defense ministry to the foreign ministry. The former foreign minister will take on higher education instead.

Anwar also moved Fadillah Yusof, one of two deputy prime ministers, from the natural resources department to the newly created post of energy transition and public utilities minister.

Veteran UMNO politician Johari Abdul Ghani was brought back to cabinet to take over the resources portfolio, while Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, popularly known as Dr. Dzul was appointed Minister of Health.

Anwar has led a so-called unity government made up of his reform-minded coalition, former rival UMNO and other smaller parties since hard-fought elections in November last year.

However, his support has waned as his supporters are frustrated by the slow pace of reforms and generally concerned about the state of the economy.

A survey released last month by the Merdeka Center, a local pollster, found that 60 percent of Malaysians believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, with nearly four in five citing the economy as the country's biggest problem.

The reshuffle will increase the size of the cabinet from 55 to 60 ministers and deputies.