GEORGE TOWN: It was double joy for Penang Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia chief Senator Marzuki Yahya (pic), who was conferred a datukship a day after being made the Deputy Foreign Minister.
Marzuki was conferred the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN), which carries the title Datuk, on the last day of the investiture ceremony to mark Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas’ 80th birthday at Dewan Sri Pinang yesterday.
On Tuesday, he was sworn in as Deputy Foreign Minister before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur.
Marzuki said the award was a recognition given to him by the state government for his fight along with his comrades from other parties in Pakatan Harapan.
“This award is a morale booster and strength for me to continue serving the people in Penang,” he said after receiving his award yesterday.
He believes that it was a coincidence that both events happened on two consecutive days.
“I was only informed last week about my datukship award and it so happened that the swearing-in ceremony was on Tuesday.
“It’s a big responsibility and I will carry out my duties responsibly,” he said.
When asked about his plans as Deputy Foreign Minister, he said his first step was to be briefed on the outstanding issues.
He said he would give his full dedication to the task.
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