GEORGE TOWN – The new line-up of Penang state executive council members reflects the new political maturity for the prosperity and unity of the people, said Batu Maung assemblyman Datuk Mohamad Abdul Hamid.
Mohamad, who took his oath as deputy chief minister I and was appointed to head the Islamic Religious Development, Higher Education and Community Unity Committee, said he is prepared to give his full commitment as he is familiar with the portfolio.
“Despite being new in terms of politics, the portfolio of Islamic Religious Development and Higher Education are my areas, as I was the Penang International Islamic Technology College chief executive officer.
“I am prepared to serve the people in Penang, especially in the development of Islam and higher education for the community, and to foster unity among the people while working to bring economic growth for the well-being of the people with my exco colleagues,” he told reporters after taking his oath before Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak here today.
The other exco members who were also sworn in were the assemblymen of Batu Maung, Mohammad Abdul Hamid; Datok Keramat, Jagdeep Singh Deo; Sg Acheh, Rashidi Zinol; Tg Bungah, Zairil Khir Johari; Paya Terubong, Wong Hon Wai; Sg Pinang, Lim Siew Khim; Jawi, H’ng Mooi Lye; Padang Lalang, Gooi Zi Sen; Perai, Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo; and Pantai Jerejak, Fahmi Zainol.
Apart from that, Rashidi, who is the sole representative from Barisan Nasional (BN) to be appointed as the executive councillor for Trade and Entrepreneurship and Rural Development Committee, said the portfolio could build the strength of the unity government in Penang.
He said his portfolio is also in line with the portfolio of the deputy prime minister, who is also Umno president, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who holds the position of rural and regional development minister, and Rashidi believes it will be easier to apply for allocations for rural community development in Penang.
“We can see the sincerity of the Pakatan Harapan-BN unity coalition to form a Madani society in this state with the appointment of a BN representative, and it can attract the support of Malay voters to the unity government in Penang,” he said.
Rashidi, who is the Sg Acheh assemblyman, also explained that his relationship with Bertam assemblyman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican is good despite various unfounded speculations because they have been good friends since their school days.
In the state election last week, the PH-BN coalition succeeded in establishing the state government after getting a two-thirds majority by winning 29 out of 40 state assembly seats contested, with DAP winning all 19 state assembly seats contested; PKR (seven); Amanah (one); and BN (two); while Perikatan Nasional won 11 seats. – August 16, 2023