ISKANDAR PUTERI: Former DAP assemblyman Marina Ibrahim has been appointed as a special officer for Yayasan Sultan Ibrahim Johor.
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said Marina, who was previously Skudai assemblyman, would be handling matters involving the Orang Asli community in Johor.
"With the consent and decree of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, who is also Johor Sultan, a new special officer has been appointed.
"Besides the state agriculture, agro-based industry and rural development committee is Md Israk Abdullah, His Majesty has also appointed Marina as a special officer who will look after the welfare of the Orang Asli through Yayasan Sultan Ibrahim Johor," he said.
He said this in his speech during the closing ceremony of the National Orang Asli Sports Carnival at EduCity Sports Complex here on Sunday (Sept 6).
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Marina would be able to play an effective role.
"I am confident that Marina will go to the ground, including visiting some 60 Orang Asli villages in Johor to better understand the problems they face.
"This will help improve the development and well-being of the Orang Asli community," said Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister.
Meanwhile, Marina said she viewed the appointment as a significant responsibility and an opportunity to bring about change for the Orang Asli community.
"I will shoulder a responsibility that is actually not new to me, as I have previously been involved in volunteer work and many activities in Orang Asli villages.
"This is one of the ways for me to carry out the Sultan of Johor's decree and honour the trust placed in me," she said.
Marina served as the Skudai assemblyman for one term after winning the seat in the 2022 Johor Election.
On May 31, Marina announced her retirement from politics after declining to defend her seat.
She said she intended to return to the community-based work that had always been her passion.
