Hishammuddin takes up new post

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein has been appointed Minister With Special Functions in the Prime Minister’s Department.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced in a statement that the appointment took effect yesterday. He said Hishammuddin remained as Defence Minister, Bernama reported.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he supported the move, adding that it would smoothen the Government’s administration further.

“He is the right man for these new tasks. I am confident he will be able to fulfil his responsibilities well,” he said in a statement.

In Bangi, Najib announced that the Government has approved a special allocation of RM1mil to upgrade the Bangi Industrial and Rehabilitation Centre (PLPP Bangi) so that it can become a modern centre of excellence for disabled persons.

He made the announcement during a one-hour visit to PLPP Bangi, which is an institution under the Social Welfare Department to provide vocational training and rehabilitation for the disabled (OKU).

Najib said the allocation would be used for purchasing equipment, machines for rehabilitation and treatment for the purposes of physiotherapy as well as upgrading its hydrotherapy centre.

“The Government is constantly making efforts to build a caring and inclusive society so that no one is left out, including the OKU.

“Today I am approving an allocation of RM1mil for this centre. Hopefully with this allocation, PLPP Bangi will become an OKU centre of excellence that is more progressive and modern, apart from paving the way towards a brighter future for this group (OKU),” he told reporters.

Earlier, Najib also chaired an Economic Roundtable Meeting at his office.