Umno will always be the voice for the people, says Penang exco rep

GEORGE TOWN: Umno has always been and will continue to be the voice for the people in the state government, says Sungai Acheh assemblyman Rashidi Zinol.

The state trade and entrepreneurial development and rural development committee chairman said that after not being in the state government since 2008, the party soldiered on and continued to speak for the Malays and other communities too.

"This year, after the state election, Umno has been given the chance to serve the people again, this time under the unity government.

"As a state exco member, I will make sure that Umno will continue to work hard for the people," he said during the start of his winding up speech on Thursday (Nov 23).

He said since he joined the state government as part of the administration, he saw the state government under the unity government as a strong one that can protect the welfare of not only the Malay community but others as well.

Rashidi then called on all assemblymen not to focus only on one ethnic group but to speak on behalf of all Penangites for the sake of development and the future of the state.

He also thanked Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow for entrusting him with the position in the state government.

Rashidi was chosen as a state executive councillor under the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional unity pact and this marked the return of Umno to the state government after 15 years.

Umno, together with Gerakan, MCA and MIC used to be part of the ruling Barisan coalition until 2008.

The other Umno assemblyman in the set-up of the state unity pact is Bertam assemblyman Datuk Reezal Merican Naina Merican.