Deputy ministers ready to work

KUALA LUMPUR: The formation of the country’s first ever unity government is now complete following Friday’s naming of deputy ministers with these new appointees very much gung-ho about their duties.

Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni, for instance, is upbeat about his new responsibilities, saying that he plans to hold engagement sessions with general health practitioners, policymakers, doctors and also health officers.

“There will be focus on issues related to medical infrastructure in rural areas.

“We need efficient and reputable health facilities for the people,” Lukanisman said.

He said the public was welcomed to observe his job performance.

“I also welcome views and ideas to help the Health Ministry,” said Lukanisman, who is the Sibuti MP of Gabungan Parti Sarawak.

Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim is grateful for being given the opportunity to serve.

“It comes with a huge responsibility as Malaysia is at a crossroads following the 15th General Election.

Deputies sworn in: Posing with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah are Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, hiswife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, his deputies Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, and the deputy ministers who were sworn in at Istana Negara.

“GE15 also showed the importance of youth participation in democracy and how they can play their role in nation-building,” he said when contacted.

He also echoed the views of Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, who was quoted as saying that athletes could continue with existing programmes as it would be difficult for them if the ministry kept changing directions.

“It’s not the time now (for the ministry) to be experimenting or changing directions.

“Most importantly, we must ensure all programmes, directions and policies are implemented fairly and responsibly,” he said.

Adam Adli, a first-term PKR MP, was one of the 27 deputy ministers announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Friday.

As for Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, he tweeted: “This is a heavy responsibility that I must fulfil. I will do my best, for the people and the country.”

Similar remarks were made by Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong and Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching.

“I will do my best to fulfil my duties and support the efforts of Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz in leading the ministry,” Liew said on Facebook.

Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad also pledged to do his best, saying that the job comes with a new set of responsibilities.

“This is a mandate and responsibility that I must fulfil, in line with the royal decree in ensuring the unity government is a more stable government that will stimulate the economy and national development,” said the Lipis MP of Barisan Nasional.

Anwar’s unity government comprises 28 ministers and 27 deputy ministers. The deputies were sworn in before Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Istana Negara here yesterday.