In this photo released by Malaysia's Department of Information, Malaysia's Prime Minister and Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim delivers his 2024 budget speech at the Parliament in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Oct 13, 2023. (PHOTO / MALAYSIA'S DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION VIA AP)

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reshuffled his cabinet on Tuesday with multiple changes, including to the foreign, defense and energy portfolios and the return of a second finance minister, as he looks to rebuild trust after a year in office.

Anwar has seen a dip in public opinion polls in recent months, amid concerns over the economy and inflation, as well as a slow pace in promised reforms.

Announcing a reshuffle that saw the creation of several new posts, Anwar said the economy, health and education were the utmost priority for his government.

The latest survey by independent polling group Merdeka Center published last month saw Anwar's approval rating drop to 50 percent from 68 percent in December last year, while approval of the government dipped to 41 percent from 54 percent

Among more than two-dozen changes, Anwar named a new commodities minister and shifted the incumbent Fadillah Yusof, the deputy prime minister, to a newly-created energy transition and public utilities portfolio.

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He also moved Mohamad Hasan, deputy president of the United Malay National Organisation (UMNO) party, from defense minister to foreign minister.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, brought back the position of a second finance minister, which went to Amir Hamzah Azizan, the executive of Malaysia's largest pension fund.

"The ministry of finance, other than being headed by me, must have a strong professional team to ensure we are on the right track and the focus on the economy," Anwar told a televised press conference.

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Anwar leads a government consisting of his progressive coalition, one-time rival UMNO, East Malaysian parties, and a number of smaller parties.

The latest survey by independent polling group Merdeka Center published last month saw Anwar's approval rating drop to 50 percent from 68 percent in December last year, while approval of the government dipped to 41 percent from 54 percent.

Sentiment was largely driven by concerns over the economy, the Merdeka Center said. Malaysia's economic growth has slowed sharply this year from 8.7 percent in 2022 amid lower exports.

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Inflation has also moderated, though concerns remain over rising consumer costs due to the weakened ringgit, one of Asia's worst-performing currencies this year.