Can "as" be removed?

Here's the latest line-up of Dr Mahathir's Cabinet, as announced on Friday:

Prime Minister – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad

Deputy Prime Minister – Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah

Minister of Home Affairs – Tan Sri Muhiyiddin Yassin

Minister of Education – Dr Maszlee Malik

Minister of Rural Development – Rina Harun

Minister of Women and Family...

Can "as" be removed?

Thanks.