ISKANDAR PUTERI: Fresh from renewing its mandate for a second term, the Johor state government has now appointed 10 assemblymen as deputy state executive councillors.
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the appointments, which have received the consent of Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, are part of the state’s efforts to strengthen its administration and ensure all its initiatives are carried out effectively.
“The state government sees the need to strengthen its administrative capacity to ensure that every policy, project and programme can be implemented more effectively.
“With these appointments, we hope to further strengthen the delivery of government services, speed up the resolution of issues affecting the people and ensure that every government initiative is implemented effectively,” he told reporters at Bangunan Dato’ Jaafar Muhammad in Kota Iskandar yesterday.
Onn Hafiz said the appointments would also support the implementation of the Johor Economic Transformation Plan, one of the state’s key agendas to ensure balanced and inclusive development across all districts.
Of the 10 deputy state executive councillors appointed, two are from MCA, one from MIC and seven from Umno.
Among them is Johor Jaya assemblyman Chan San San, 46, who is now the women, family and community development committee deputy chairman.
She described her appointment as a major responsibility and expressed hope that her experience in community work would help her in her new role.
“I hope to help address issues related to domestic violence and abuse cases, as I have previously handled many cases like these.”
“Perhaps I can bring these issues to the state executive council to explore ways to resolve them,” said Chan.
Investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee deputy chairman Syed Hussein Syed Abdullah, 42, said he would do his best to help the state government expand its development agenda.
“This is a huge responsibility because there are many things we need to do to achieve the Maju Johor 2030 mission.
“We want investments coming into Johor not to be concentrated in just one area, but for the benefits to be felt by all Johoreans,” said the Mahkota assemblyman.
He said his role was not merely to assist the existing state executive councillors but also to ensure the state government’s plans under the Maju Johor 2030 agenda are implemented comprehensively.
Education and information committee deputy chairman V. Rugendran, 29, who is the youngest of those appointed, said he was shocked when he was informed about his new role.
“This was not part of the plan when I contested the Kahang seat. The appointment came as a big surprise to me.
“However, I am very grateful for the trust placed in me and will do my best to carry out my duties,” he said.
