New Penang exco man proud that Umno is back

GEORGE TOWN: After a 15-year hiatus, Umno is again in the Penang state government after Sungai Acheh assemblyman Rashidi Zinol (pic) was appointed as a state executive councillor –and he is proud that the party is back.

Rashidi, who has been named trade and entrepreneurial development and rural development committee chairman, said he would use the opportunity to again empower Umno and Barisan Nasional.

“I am glad to have been given this chance to be part of the unity government and proud that Umno is back in the state government,” he said, adding that there was a lot to be done for the Malays and the other communities in Penang.

Rashidi said he would use his portfolio in helping the people by working closely with both the state and federal governments.

The other Umno assemblyman in the state, Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, said he was grateful that the party had been given this chance to be part of the unity government.

The Kepala Batas Umno division chief said Umno’s inclusion in the state exco line-up was a golden opportunity to serve Penangites.

“As part of the unity government, Umno must be seen as the party which represents the aspiration of Malays and Islam, especially since many Malay seats were lost to Perikatan Nasional in the recent elections.

“The Malay assemblymen in the unity pact must become the voice for the community,” he said.