Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has reportedly received the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to carry out a cabinet reshuffle.
According to an Utusan Malaysia Online report that was uploaded just after midnight, details would be announced soon.
There is speculation that the new line up will be announced at 3pm this afternoon.
Meanwhile, The Malaysian Insider reports that Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin would be dropped. He has been a vocal critic of Putrajaya's handling of the 1MDB controversy.
The website also claimed that G Palanivel, Hasan Malek, Mohd Shafie Apdal and Idris Jala would be dropped from cabinet as well.
There is speculation that either Ahmad Zahid Hamidi ( photo ) or Hishammuddin Hussein would take over as No 2.
According to Utusan Online , Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Abdul Rahman Dahlan would made communications and multimedia minister, to reflect his new position as the new BN strategic communications director.
The website also claimed that a deputy minister would be promoted to a full minister, while two new faces will be made deputy ministers.
Zahid tasked with wooing rural Malays?
Asked to confirm the reports of a cabinet reshuffle, a source close to Najib said: "Speculation is still speculation. In the end, the prime minister will decide."
Other speculations on the reshuffle include Zahid taking over the Rural and Regional Development Ministry from Mohd Shafie ( photo )
The possible reshuffle comes at a time when Najib is facing increasing public scrutiny over news reports that RM2.6 billion were deposited into his personal accounts and is being criticised over his handling of the 1MDB controversy.
On Sunday, Muhyiddin warned that the 1MDB controversy would cost Umno dearly in the next general election.
He also revealed that his many advice to Najib on the matter had been ignored.
The last cabinet reshuffle was held last June, in order to accommodate five MCA leaders and Gerakan president Mah Siew Keong.
At present, cabinet consists of 35 full ministers. There are 27 deputy ministers.
No cabinet reshuffle
Meanwhile, the BN Backbenchers Club portal, quoting sources in the Prime Minister's Office, said there would be no cabinet reshuffle, for today at least.
The source was quoted as saying that it had yet to receive any instructions to make preparations for a cabinet reshuffle.
It added that normally, any such announcements would be made on a Wednesday or a Friday.
"It is to simplify the process as the prime minister can deliver his speech of thanks at the cabinet meeting (on Wednesday), followed by a meeting with the Agong on Friday and finally the taking of oaths on Monday," the source was quoted as saying.
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