Speculations are rife that the Cabinet reshuffle is expected to take place this week following the latest development in the country.

Sources familiar with the matter said, although initially, the reshuffle was scheduled to take place after Hari Raya Aidilfitri in July, it may be announced as early as tomorrow.

Other than choosing a new Plantation and Commodities Minister, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak would also have to fill in the vacancies made by Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar and Datuk Seri Idris Jala in the Prime Minister's Department.

The previous Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas has been appointed as Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister I after the state election in May.

Other than that, Najib would also have to appoint two new Deputy Ministers, both in the Plantation and Commodities Ministry as well as Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry.

This is following the demise of the late Tan Sri Noriah Kasnon and the appointment of Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah as the Kedah Mentri Besar, respectively.

It is learnt that there might be a 'portfolio reshuffle' between senior ministers.