SEPANG, June 24 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak today let out that the launch of KLIA2 could be Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein’s final event as acting transport minister, amid an expected Cabinet reshuffle to accommodate the leaders of two Barisan Nasional (BN) components.
Speaking during the launch of the new low-cost carrier terminal today, the prime minister expressed gratitude Hishammuddin for shouldering the transport portfolio in addition to his role as defence minister.
“I'd like to thank Datuk Seri Hisham for all you have done in enabling this opening ceremony, particularly this might be your last official function as acting transport minister, so it's appropriate for me to thank and acknowledge your contribution,” Najib said during his speech.
He also thanked Hishammuddin for seeing the long-delayed project to completion, amidst the “stress and tribulation” of managing the disappearance of Flight MH370.
Speculation is rife that Najib will announce a new line-up of ministers with a major overhaul of the present Cabinet.
The reshuffle was expected to enable MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Gerakan president Datuk Mah Siew Keong to rejoin the Cabinet, analysts said.
Liow has said he expects Najib to make the changes in his Cabinet lineup although the timing remains unclear.
It was rumoured that Najib, now in his second term of office, would announce it today or immediately after Hari Raya Puasa next month.
But the prime minister recently denied the speculation and said he is “not aware” of any such changes to his administration.
When asked about the rumour today, Hishammuddin said, “That you have to ask PM, it is not up to me”.
