New jobs, same focus: Johari and Ramanan.
PETALING JAYA: Newly appointed ministers have pledged to carry out their duties in ensuring continuity in governance while implementing the Madani administration’s reforms.
Thanking the Prime Minister for the trust and confidence in him, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani described it as a “significant responsibility”.
“(This is) particularly at a time when the country is navigating an increasingly complex global economic environment marked by geopolitical uncertainties, shifting trade dynamics and rapid technological change.
“The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry plays a critical role in safeguarding Malaysia’s economic competitiveness, strengthening investor confidence and ensuring that our trade and industrial strategies continue to deliver tangible benefits to the rakyat.”
Johari, who previously served as Plantation and Commodities Minister, replaces Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz following the expiry of his maximum two-term tenure as a senator.
Johari said he is fully mindful of the expectations that come with the portfolio.
“My priority will be to work closely with the ministry’s leadership, agencies, industry players and investors to further strengthen Malaysia’s position as a preferred investment destination, deepen value creation within our industries, expand high-quality job opportunities and enhance Malaysia’s participation in regional and global trade,” he added.
Newly minted Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the nation’s workforce development agenda will be further strengthened in a comprehensive and inclusive manner in line with Madani aspirations.
Ramanan said he would be holding meetings with the top leadership of the Human Resources Ministry soon after the swearing-in ceremony.
“I represent the Indian community in the country in expressing my gratitude, ‘nandri’ (thank you) to the Prime Minister for the honour and mandate entrusted to me to serve as the Human Resources Minister,” said the Sungai Buloh MP in a statement yesterday.
“I will carry out this duty and responsibility with full dedication and commitment to meet the expectations of Malaysians, including the Indian community, as well as the nation, in line with the Malaysia Madani framework,” he said.
Ramanan was previously Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister.
Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, who has been appointed as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Sabah and Sarawak affairs, pledged to carry out his responsibilities and to continue to strengthen efforts on the two states’ affairs.
“This appointment is a huge responsibility for me and I will work towards fostering stronger relations between the federal and Sarawak government to coordinate and implement policies,” he said in a Facebook post.
“This new responsibility will be carried out through close and harmonious cooperation between the Prime Minister, the Sarawak Premier and the Sabah Chief Minister, to strengthen policy coordination and implementation between the Federal Government and the states of Sabah and Sarawak.”
He said he will also give full commitment to restore and elevate the status of Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners within the Federation of Malaysia, in line with the spirit, history and provisions of the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
