PUTRAJAYA, Aug 5 — New Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today paid tribute to his predecessor Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, saying the latter had raised high the benchmark at the ministry.
He said the excellence achieved by Mohd Shafie, particularly in the development of the rural community, was a benchmark that was difficult to emulate.
“It is difficult to emulate the benchmark but I pledge to do my best,” he said at the handing over of duties by Mohd Shafie here.
In the Cabinet reshuffle on July 28, Ismail Sabri was appointed minister of rural and regional development to take over from Mohd Shafie who was dropped from the cabinet.
Mohd Shafie said the “soul of the village” in him had endeared him to the responsibility at the ministry.
He said helping to raise the standard of living of the rural community was a matter close to his heart, not to mention that every one of his agendas and programmes had received the support and cooperation of all ministry staff.
Mohd Shafie said he believed that the appointment of Ismail Sabri, with his extensive experience in administration and management at several ministries, could bring more progress to the ministry.
This is the second time that Ismail Sabri has taken over a portfolio from Mohd Shafie, after having done so for the first time at the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism. — Bernama
