Malaysian PM 'planning reshuffle'

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad may make several senior ministerial changes in a cabinet reshuffle expected as early as this week, the Utusan Malaysia newspaper reported on Monday.

The Malay-language daily, owned by Mahathir's political party United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), quoted unnamed sources as saying the reshuffle would involve the creation of new law and federal territory ministries.

Mahathir's aides could not be immediately reached for comment.

Utusan said Muhammad Mohamad Taib, one of UMNO's three vice-presidents, might be named as one of several new ministers.

Mahathir and his deputy Abdullah Ahmad Badawi are UMNO president and deputy president respectively.

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