Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan will temporarily serve as acting ministers for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability and the Ministry of Economy, respectively. This decision comes as the government prepares to appoint permanent ministers in accordance with the Federal Constitution.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Prime Minister clarified that the appointments of Amir Hamzah and Johari are not a result of a scarcity of qualified candidates within the government. He emphasized that the delay in appointing permanent ministers is a strategic decision, ensuring that all appointments comply with constitutional requirements.

Anwar addressed concerns about the temporary appointments, refuting claims from opposition MPs that the government lacks credible candidates. He reassured that Amir Hamzah and Johari are merely stepping in to ensure continuity in these crucial roles until new ministers are appointed. Anwar urged for patience and support from all parties, allowing the acting ministers to perform their duties without external pressures.

During a recent Cabinet meeting, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar announced Johari's new responsibilities for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability. This follows the resignation of Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, whose departure from the role was effective July 4.

Similarly, Amir Hamzah's appointment as acting Economy Minister follows Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli's resignation, effective June 17. Both Rafizi and Nik Nazmi stepped down after not retaining their positions as PKR deputy president and vice president, respectively, in the recent party elections.