Malaysian PM announces new cabinet line-up

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim unveiled new ministerial appointments on Tuesday as part of a cabinet reshuffle.

In a televised address, Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said the move aimed to make adjustments to better deliver on promised reforms and mitigate various socio-economic concerns, including the cost of living.

Some existing ministers were reassigned to other portfolios, while new members were introduced. Key appointments include Economy Minister Akmal Nasir, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Johari Ghani, Human Resources Minister R. Ramanan and Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong.

In a statement following the announcement, Anwar expressed his hope that all those appointed would carry out their duties with full commitment and responsibility, prioritizing the well-being of the people and the interests of the country.

The new cabinet members will be sworn in at 10 a.m. on Wednesday before Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar at the National Palace. A cabinet meeting is scheduled to follow at 2:30 p.m.■