Acting ministers key to ensuring continuity ahead of Parliament, says Johari
Johari, who has been tasked with temporarily overseeing the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry, said the move is also necessary to address pressing issues under the ministry's purview.
"When there's a vacancy, the Prime Minister appoints someone to take on the role temporarily. With Parliament about to sit, there will be questions that require answers. For example, the Economy Ministry needs to finalise the 13th Malaysia Plan, so someone has to be appointed to get the job done quickly.
"That's why an acting role is important to resolve critical matters within the next month or two,' he told reporters after officiating the 2025 Kuantan Umno Division Delegates' Meeting on Saturday (July 12).
Yesterday, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar announced that Johari has been appointed to carry out the duties and functions of the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister with immediate effect.
On May 28, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad announced his resignation as Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister, effective July 4.
Earlier, on June 27, Shamsul Azri announced that Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan had been appointed acting Economy Minister, effective immediately, following the resignation of Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli on June 17.
Both Rafizi and Nik Nazmi stepped down after failing to retain their respective positions as PKR deputy president and vice president in the party elections held in May. - Bernama
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