Hishammuddin's appointment timely to address issues related to terrorism - Hamzah

The appointment of Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein as Minister with Special Functions is timely due to his extensive experiences in addressing issues related to terrorism locally and abroad.

While congratulating Hishammuddin on the appointment, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism (KPDNKK) also said the situation now required a leader who is committed and understand the geo-political issues, as well as the threats of Daish militants.

"I'm sure he (Hishammuddin) can help to strengthen the bilateral relations between Malaysia and other countries, especially in defence and national security.

"We need an experienced person to address the issues related to terrorism arising throughout the world today," he told reporters after attending the KPDNKK Briskwalk 2017 programme here today.

Hishammuddin's appointment was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in a statement today. Najib also said Hishammuddin remained as Defence Minister.

In another development, Hamzah said he concurred with the oil and gas experts on the possibility of oil prices reaching US$60 per barrel.

However, he declined to reveal the mechanisms used by the government to reduce fuel prices in the country.

From tomorrow to April 19, the weekly retail price for RON 95 is up by eight sen to RM2.24 per litre, RON97 up by nine sen to RM2.52 per litre and diesel up by eight sen to RM2.16 per litre.

About the Briskwalk programme, the ministry in a statement said that it would be held every Wednesday to enable the ministry's staff to adopt healthy lifestyle, and it would kick off with aerobic exercise and followed by a three-kilometre brisk walk around Putrajaya. -- Bernama