Former Foreign Affairs Minister Saifuddin is now the Communications and Multimedia Minister. — MOHD SAHAR MISNI/The Star
Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah has been named the new Communications and Multimedia minister and Khairy Jamaluddin as the Science, Technology and Innovation Minister in the new cabinet line-up.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who made the announcement today, also appointed Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin as Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister, and Ahmad Amzad Hashim as Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister.
The Communications and Multimedia ministry’s recent key projects include the National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP) to improve Internet connectivity, coverage and affordability; and 5G Demonstration Project (5GDP) to showcase the next-generation cellular technology and speed up its rollout.
Saifuddin replaces Gobind Singh Deo who was removed from the cabinet following the resignation of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as Prime Minister.
The new Science, Technology and Innovation ministry is expected to replace the role of the Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change ministry previously led by Yeo Bee Yin.
Saifuddin and Khairy both have held ministerial posts before – Saifuddin served as Foreign Affairs Minister under the Pakatan Harapan government, and Khairy as the Youth and Sports Minister under the Barisan National government.
