KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 — The seven individuals who were appointed full ministers in the new Cabinet line-up announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today have vowed to perform their duties with dedication.
Najib at a media conference in Putrajaya this afternoon named Datuk Hamzah Zainudin as Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism, Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid (Minister of Education), Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau (Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation), Senator Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Salleh Said Keruak (Minister of Communications and Multimedia), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department) and Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan (Minister of International Trade and Industry II).
They begin their tenure tomorrow.
Commenting on his appointment, Mohd Salleh, who is a former Chief Minister of Sabah, said he would ensure the policies under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak were implemented in the best way possible.
He said he would work as a team-player so that all the policies were effectively implemented and benefited the people.
“I want to thank Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri Najib Razak, the Prime Minister of Malaysia who has given me the trust to be part of the new Cabinet.”
On his part, Mahdzir said he was thankful to the Prime Minister for the faith in him to hold the post.
The former Energy, Green Technology and Water Deputy Minister said the post of Education Minister was a heavy responsibility as the education sector was the core of a nation’s development.
“I will ensure that the education sector in this country moves forward and hope to get the full support of all parties in carrying out this challenging task,” he said in a brief statement today.
Mahdzir, a former Mentri Besar of Kedah and member of parliament for Padang Terap, takes over the post of Education Minister from Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Meanwhile, Azalina who is also the member of parliament for Pengerang, said she was surprised with her appointment as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.
She received the news of her appointment from a radio broadcast while attending a programme in her constituency as its elected representative.
“I was shocked with the news, but grateful to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for having the confidence in me to be part of the new Cabinet line-up,” she told Bernama.
Azalina, who is also chairman of the National Film Development Board (FINAS), said she hoped her appointment would strengthen the new cabinet-line-up as well as the Barisan Nasional (BN).
The last time Azalina was in the Cabinet was as Tourism Minister (2008-2009). Earlier, in 2004, she was appointed Youth and Sports Minister.
Meanwhile, Tangau, who is also United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (UPKO) acting president, said he was grateful for the prime minister’s confidence in him.
“My gratitude and appreciation to the prime minister for his confidence in me and UPKO. I thank one and all in UPKO. I will need my party’s full support in this new endeavour,” said the Tuaran member of Parliament in a statement.
A newcomer to the Cabinet, Tangau has been involved in politics since the 1980s and in 1999, won the Tuaran parliamentary seat.
Wan Junaidi when contacted by Bernama, also said he was moved and grateful to Najib for his faith in appointing him as Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.
“I hope to resolve issues related to the environment including flood mitigation and irrigations for the benefit of the people,” said the member of parliament who takes over the post from former MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel. — Bernama
