At a press conference after announcing his new Cabinet lineup today, Anwar said the health ministry was burdened with many issues, some of which were passed on from previous administrations.

“His experience is needed. I believe he can offer greater focus in the ministry,” said the prime minister.

“We hope that he can perform his duties well.”

Dzulkefly, the Kuala Selangor MP, took over the health minister’s post from Dr Zaliha Mustafa who is now the federal territories minister.

Meanwhile, Anwar said EPF CEO Amir Hamzah Azizan was appointed as second finance minister as he needed a “strong professional team” to keep the nation’s economic focus on track.

He also said Amir had managed EPF in a competent and satisfactory manner throughout the past two years.

Anwar said the 20% pay cut for ministers would be maintained, while he would continue not taking a salary as prime minister.

Separately, Anwar said he decided to split the communications and digital ministry into two as communicating effectively through social media had been a struggle for the government.

“The criticism against us is that there are impressive policies, but the delivery and communications are not satisfactory.”

Meanwhile, in a posting on X, Dzulkefly thanked Anwar for the opportunity to serve as health minister again and stated his readiness to take on the work ahead of him.

“After 12 months of a decent recess or hiatus of sorts, I’m ready to bounce back,” he said.

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