Latest news with #JohariGhani
Free Malaysia Today
12-07-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Acting ministers key to continuity, says Johari
Johari Ghani (left) was named the acting natural resources and environmental sustainability minister yesterday, while Amir Hamzah Azizan has taken on the duties and functions of the economy minister. PETALING JAYA : Appointing acting ministers to fill vacant Cabinet posts is crucial to ensure continuity, especially with the upcoming parliamentary meeting set to begin on July 21, said plantation and commodities minister Johari Ghani. Johari, who has been tasked with temporarily overseeing the natural resources and environmental sustainability ministry, said appointing acting ministers is also necessary to address pressing issues under the ministries' purview. 'When there's a vacancy, the prime minister appoints someone to take on the role temporarily,' he told reporters after officiating the Kuantan Umno division delegates meeting today. '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.' Yesterday, chief secretary Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said the Cabinet had agreed that Johari will carry out the roles and functions of the natural resources and environmental sustainability minister effective immediately. This comes after PKR's Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad stepped down as the minister in May. Last month, the Cabinet agreed for finance minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan to take on the duties and functions of the economy minister following Rafizi Ramli's resignation. Amir was also tasked with overhauling the 13MP, which will be tabled in Parliament on July 31. Rafizi and Nik Nazmi quit their Cabinet positions after failing to defend their posts of deputy president and vice-president, respectively, at PKR's party elections in May.
Free Malaysia Today
11-07-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
PM defends choice of Johari, Amir as acting ministers
Johari Ghani (left) has been named as the acting natural resources and environmental sustainability minister in addition to his existing portfolio, while Amir Hamzah Azizan is doubling up as the economy minister for the time being. PUTRAJAYA : The prime minister has defended the decision to name Johari Ghani and Amir Hamzah Azizan as acting ministers for two portfolios vacated by MPs from PKR. Anwar Ibrahim said the decision to name Johari and Amir, who are both heading other ministries, did not mean there was a shortage of qualified candidates for the posts. 'There are those who question if there is no one else suitable for the posts that an acting minister needed to be named. That's inaccurate. 'They are just performing the duties until a new minister is appointed,' he told reporters after performing Friday prayers here. He said those questioning the decision to name the acting ministers failed to understand the process in appointing ministers. Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad resigned as the economy minister and the natural resources and environmental sustainability minister, respectively, in May following their defeats in the PKR party election. Last month, it was reported that Amir had assumed the duties of the economy minister, while earlier today, Johari was named as the acting natural resources and environmental sustainability minister. Anwar said the two must be given the space and opportunity to carry out their additional duties without interruption.
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
No talent gap behind interim Cabinet picks, says PM
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that Datuk Seri Johari Ghani's temporary appointment to lead the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry is not due to a shortage of qualified candidates in the government. He said Johari, along with Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan — who is currently overseeing the Economy Ministry — are both holding interim roles pending permanent appointments. 'There's been some confusion, with people questioning if it's because there's no one else available, so these roles had to be filled temporarily. That's not true. 'They are just carrying out the responsibilities for now, until a full Cabinet appointment is decided,' ,' Anwar told reporters after performing Friday prayers at Surau Ar Rahim. Anwar said such interim arrangements are not unprecedented, pointing out that the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) now known as the Economy Ministry was previously managed under the Prime Minister's Department. He said the EPU was restructured following the change of government after the 15th General Election on Dec 23, 2022. 'Now, Amir Hamzah is handling some of the responsibilities, and Johari Ghani is overseeing certain functions as well. There's no need to rush the process,' he said. Anwar added that if opposition MPs failed to understand these temporary arrangements, 'then that's unfortunate, because they are clearly serving in an acting capacity.' Earlier today, Cabinet Secretary Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said in a statement that Anwar had informed the Cabinet during its meeting on Wednesday (July 9) that he had agreed for Johari to take on the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry, effective immediately.
Free Malaysia Today
08-07-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Cabinet to discuss 25% US tariff tomorrow
Plantation and commodities minister Johari Ghani played down concerns that Malaysia's involvement in the BRICS group of developing nations will lead to further US tariffs. PETALING JAYA : The Cabinet will discuss the 25% tariff imposed by the US on Malaysian products tomorrow, says plantation and commodities minister Johari Ghani. The tariff, effective Aug 1, was announced by US president Donald Trump yesterday and will apply to all Malaysian exports, separate from other sector-specific duties. Malaysia had faced a 24% tariff on certain exports to the US unless both sides could reach an agreement before the end of the 90-day pause today. 'For the past 90 days, investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz has been negotiating with the US,' Johari said in a Harian Metro report. 'It seems they have given until Aug 1 to continue negotiations, but they've already increased the tariff from 24% to 25%. 'Let's wait and see. I believe the Cabinet will address this issue tomorrow.' In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Trump said Malaysia's current trade policies had made its trading relationship with the US largely one-sided and non-reciprocal. While Trump said he was ready to lower the 25% tariff if Malaysia changed its trade policies, he warned that any decision by Malaysia to raise tariffs on US goods would result in an additional 25% tariff. Johari also played down concerns that Malaysia's involvement in the BRICS group of developing nations would lead to further US tariffs, stressing the importance of diversifying Malaysia's export markets. Trump previously said the US would impose an additional 10% tariff on any country aligning itself with BRICS's 'Anti-American policies'. Anwar was among the world leaders who attended the 17th BRICS Leaders Summit in Brazil on Sunday. 'There are over 190 countries in the world. If one country treats us like this, it doesn't mean we can't survive,' said Johari. 'We must look for new markets.'
Free Malaysia Today
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
No longer easy to get strong majority, Johari reminds Umno
Umno vice-president Johari Ghani speaking to members of the Seremban division at their general meeting today. (Bernama pic) SEREMBAN : Umno has been urged to prepare leaders who are principled, trustworthy, and capable of uniting all communities, in line with the expectations of today's voters. Umno vice-president Johari Ghani reminded party members that it was not easy to secure a majority in today's challenging political landscape. The party needed a new strategy for the next general election, one that focussed on the aspirations of the younger generation. Umno could not rely on nostalgia to secure votes, he said. Johari said voters, especially the younger generation, have high expectations of leaders who are not only knowledgeable but also open, transparent, and possess integrity and credibility. 'They (voters) want leaders who are knowledgeable, both on local and international matters, and who are committed to issues like the environment and conservation,' he said at the Seremban Umno delegates meeting today, Bernama reported. 'This is the reality. Young voters have very high expectations. They want principled leaders – leaders who can be trusted, and who can strengthen ties among all communities,' he was quoted as saying. Johari said Umno must be more dynamic and open to remain relevant. 'Umno needs to accept the reality that securing a strong majority isn't an easy task, as voters now have diverse ideologies,' he said. 'Don't assume that we will always be the only ones in power. There are times when we must share power. We need to accept the fact that the world today is changing, finding a political party with a strong majority is no longer easy, as each has a different ideology,' he said.
