JOHOR BARU: The 10 newly appointed Johor executive councillors have been told to hit the ground running to ensure the state’s development agenda remains on track, says Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
The Johor Mentri Besar said the appointments were not privileges but heavy responsibilities to serve the people.
“I reminded them that there is no honeymoon period after this.
“The mandate given by the rakyat must be translated into more efficient service.
“We have to continue working towards the Maju Johor 2030 agenda in a more focused and effective manner to build a better state for all races and all Bangsa Johor,” he said when announcing the new exco line-up yesterday.
Six executive councillors were retained from the previous administration, namely Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor (housing and local government), Mohd Hairi Mad Shah (youth, sports, entrepreneur development and cooperatives), Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid (Islamic religious affairs).
Also retained were Ling Tian Soon (health and environment), Lee Ting Han (investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources) and Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh (works, transportation, infrastructure and communications).
The four new faces are Hasrunizah Hassan (women, family and community development), Md Israk Abdullah (agriculture, agro-based industry and rural development), Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali (education and information) and P. Pannir Selvam (unity, heritage and culture).
When met, Hasrunizah said she would begin by meeting agencies under her portfolio to gain a better understanding of the issues and challenges within her responsibilities.
“My immediate focus will be assisting single mothers and housewives, as the state government already has existing data on these groups,” said the second-term Pulai Sebatang assemblyman.
Pannir Selvam said he hopes to revitalise programmes under his portfolio while further promoting the Bangsa Johor concept.
“I want to promote traditional arts such as zapin, especially among schoolchildren, so they can better appreciate Johor’s culture and heritage,” said the Perling assemblyman.
Dr Muhammad Naqib said education would be among his immediate priorities, including reviewing the state government’s incentives and education programmes.
The Panti assemblyman said he would also discuss the state’s digital learning initiative under the Sekolah Rintis Bangsa Johor programme.
Earlier, the executive councillors took their oath of office before the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, during a swearing-in ceremony at Istana Bukit Serene.
In a Facebook post, the Johor Regent reminded those appointed to discharge their duties with dedication, integrity and sincerity.
“All policies and decisions made must have the interests of the Johor people at heart,” he said, adding that they should regularly go to the grassroots to better understand the people’s needs.
