PUTRAJAYA: The Finance Ministry must be headed by a strong professional team to ensure that the country is on the right track, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar said that he is of the view that Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan is the right candidate for the job of Second Finance Minister given his experience, particularly when managing the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).

“He (Amir Hamzah) has shown enough competence and ability and has managed the affairs of the EPF in an impressive and satisfactory manner,” said Anwar.

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“His appointment will ensure that the Finance Ministry will remain focused on the economy and not be sidetracked by political pressures,” he added after announcing a reshuffle of his Cabinet.

Anwar - who is also the Finance Minister - was asked about his decision to appoint Amir Hamzah, the chief executive officer of EPF as Second Finance Minister.

To a question, the Prime Minister said there should not be any more changes to his Cabinet line-up.

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“I hope they will perform their duties well and there will be no new arising pressures and problems.

This is so that we utilise the coming four years (of the government’s term) until the next general election to deliver what has been planned,” he added.