GEORGE TOWN: Penang PKR deputy chairman Goh Choon Aik will be the newest addition to the state exco line-up, replacing PKR assemblyman Fahmi Zainol.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said Goh would take over the role from Pantai Jerejak assemblyman Fahmi Zainol, who has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect.
Chow said Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib has approved the Bukit Tambun assemblyman’s appointment as a member of the state executive council.
“He has approved Goh’s appointment in accordance with Article 7 of the Penang State Constitution.
“This will take effect from the date of the Ceremony of Presentation of the Instruments of Appointment and the Taking of the Oath of Office and Allegiance, as well as the Oath of Secrecy of the Penang exco members.
“The appointment is to replace Pantai Jerejak assemblyman Fahmi Zainol, whose service as a state exco member was terminated with effect from Wednesday (March 4),” Chow said in a statement on the same day.
Chow said Goh would be sworn in as a state exco member at 11am on Friday (March 6) at Seri Mutiara, the Governor’s official residence.
Goh is replacing Fahmi, who held the portfolio of state agrotechnology, food security and cooperative development.
Chow said any amendments to the portfolio would be announced when Goh is sworn in.
Goh, 52, is a registered town planner.
He has been the Bukit Tambun assemblyman since 2018 and previously served as a Seberang Perai city councillor from 2008 to 2010.
Fahmi was removed from his position at PKR’s request following his recent court charges.
On Sunday (March 1), PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh said Fahmi was suspended with immediate effect after being charged at the Magistrate’s Court here with voluntarily causing hurt to his wife.
Last Friday (Feb 27), Fahmi, 35, claimed trial to a charge of voluntarily causing hurt to Nur Hidayah Abd Jabar, 35, at a house in Persiaran Pantai Jerejak 11, Bayan Lepas, at about 10pm on Feb 22.
The charge was framed under Section 323 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 326A. Section 323 carries a maximum penalty of a year’s jail, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both, upon conviction.
Section 326A provides for up to twice the term prescribed under Section 323 if the victim is a spouse. Fahmi was released on bail.
