Mah's portfolio as newly-minted Minister in PM's Department detailed

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Mah Siew Keong was assigned his detailed portfolio Wednesday as the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, according to party officials.

Among his responsibilities will be to oversee the Innovation Unit (Unik), which was established in 2010 to strengthen strategies and policies promoting innovation in the country, working hand in hand with the National Innovation Centre.

Mah, who is Gerakan president, also has the responsibility of overseeing the Hindu Endowment Board, which administers endowments such as land, property, burial grounds or funds given for the benefit of the Hindu community.

The Teluk Intan MP will also be overseeing organisations that deal with nuclear energy and the Malaysian Industry Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT).

MIGHT, a non-profit organisation, was established in 1993 to prospect for businesses and investments utilising current and breaking technologies, while nurturing advanced high-technology interests in Malaysia.

Mah will also be looking after the Hawkers' Association and will be in charge of their welfare.

Mah previously served as Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister in 2004 and then Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister between 2006 and 2008.

Mah was handed a Cabinet post after he won the Teluk Intan Parliamentary by-election on May 31 and was sworn in as a Minister on June 27.

Mah, who hails from Teluk Intan, holds a Science Degree from the London School of Economics and a Masters in Manufacturing from the City University in London as well as a Law Degree from University of East London.