Kerk: I’ll have to find another job

IPOH: Former Gerakan deputy president Datuk Seri Kerk Choo Ting, who has been dropped as Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister, said he would look for another job. 

“I have to find another place to work. But first, I have to do some sorting out so that I can pass my work to my successor. This is the decision of the Prime Minister and I accept it,” said Kerk, who had challenged his boss Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik for Gerakan’s number one post in the party elections last year. He lost. 

Asked how he felt about being dropped, Kerk said: “I accept things coolly. If it comes, it comes.”  

Kerk: ‘This is the decision ofthe Prime Minister and Iaccept it’

Meanwhile, Gerakan deputy ministers have described the changes to their Cabinet portfolios as part of their responsibilities to meet the challenges facing the country. 

Former Plantation Industries and Commodities parliamentary secretary Ng Lip Yong, now Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister, said: “External trade is an important area for the country. We must be able to keep up with globalisation.  

The new portfolio will give me more exposure in international trade.” 

Former Deputy Internal Security Minister Chia Kwang Chye, now Deputy Information Minister, said it is becoming a challenging task to manage information in a changing environment.  

Former Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mah Siew Keong, now Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister, said he had gained invaluable experience in his previous job and looked forward to assuming his new post. 

Mah takes over from Kerk.