Najib likely to reshuffle Cabinet, push polls back
(The Malaysian Insider) – Datuk Seri Najib Razak is likely to reshuffle his Cabinet as early as this month and delay calling elections to later this year as scandals engulfing at least two ministers are threatening the feel-good factor of Budget 2012 where the prime minister dispensed direct cash aid to some 5.3 million households, Umno insiders say.
The Malaysian Insider understands that Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) senior officials have a list of potential new ministers and deputy ministers that will be seen as Najib’s people to execute his New Economic Model (NEM) and political transformation programme as he heads into the general election.
“Najib needs more of his own men in the Cabinet. And he needs to replace those seen as tainted before he calls an election,” said an Umno lawmaker close to the party president, referring to scandals surrounding Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, religious affairs minister Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom and deputy minister Datuk Awang Adek Hussin who admitted to receiving some financial contributions.
There has been speculation in the Chinese media and also among political analysts that Najib could dissolve parliament after the Chinese New Year celebrations on January 23 for a March election, four years after Election 2008.
It is understood that the Election Commission (EC) has booked school halls and community centres for a possible election in March. However, others say Najib is waiting for electoral reforms and the initial public offering by state land developer Felda before calling an election.
Another Umno source said the party is also not ready for polls despite Najib telling party members to be on a “war footing” for an early election. “We are not exactly ready. Some warlords don’t want to give up their chance of standing in the next polls,” he told The Malaysian Insider.
The source pointed out only former Terengganu mentri besar and Umno chief, Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, has openly said he will not contest in future elections.
“Most warlords think they can win if they are picked. And if they are not picked, they will refuse to work for those named just like what happened in 2008,” he added.
