JOHOR BARU: Two MCA assemblymen who have earned praise from Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi for their performance in the previous state administration have been reappointed as state executive councillors.
Yong Peng assemblyman Ling Tian Soon will continue to helm the health and environment portfolio, while Paloh assemblyman Lee Ting Han will once again lead the investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee.
Both men are among six exco members retained in the new state administration following Barisan Nasional’s victory in the Johor election on July 11.
Ling said his immediate focus would be to continue efforts to improve Johor’s healthcare system, especially in the upgrading of hospitals and clinics.
“Returning to the same portfolio means the Mentri Besar has very high expectations on the public healthcare and medical system.
“We want Johor’s healthcare system to continue becoming more comprehensive, convenient and efficient. We have formulated several agendas which need to be implemented as quickly as possible,” he said after the swearing-in ceremony for the new state executive councillors yesterday.
He said his familiarity with the portfolio and the relevant departments and experience gained from the past term would enable him to hit the ground running.
On the environment, Ling said the state would continue efforts to reduce river pollution, with Sungai Tebrau and Sungai Skudai among the two rivers targeted under a new clean-up plan.
He said the state had made progress in reducing the number of polluted rivers from 14 when the previous administration took over to seven currently, adding that the aim was to remove two more from the list this year.
As for Lee, he said his reappointment meant he could continue ongoing work and focus on the next four years, which is a crucial period for the Maju Johor 2030 vision.
“The state has now reached the midpoint of the vision.
“Retaining most of the previous exco line-up will also ensure a smoother transition and allow the state administration to quickly continue ongoing work and address areas that needed improvement,” he said.
Onn Hafiz had previously praised both Ling and Lee on various occasions, including on the Keluar Sekejap podcast, describing them as capable young leaders who had contributed significantly to Johor’s development.
Barisan won 48 of the 56 seats in the just concluded state election.
