New ministers, deputy ministers sworn-in

Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainudin led the line-up of new ministers and deputy ministers in taking their oath of office and secrecy before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, here today.

The swearing-in took place at the Bilik Singgahsana Kecil (Small Throne Room) at the Istana Negara, beginning at 10am.

After Hamzah, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid were sworn in.

The three ministers then signed the instrument of appointment before Chief Justice Tun Arifin Zakaria and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa.

Subsequently, Communications and Multimedia Minister Senator Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Mohd Salleh Tun Said Keruak, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said and Second International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan took their oaths.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau did not attend the swearing-in. He is reportedly in Italy.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi were present at the ceremony.

Najib announced a Cabinet reshuffle yesterday.

The swearing-in of the new deputy ministers began with Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Johari Baharom taking the oath. Subsequently, Deputy Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin and Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed took their oaths.

The rest of the nine new deputy ministers also took their oath of office and secrecy. They are Senator Datuk Dr Asyraf Wadjdi Dusuki (Prime Minister's Department - religious affairs), Senator Chong Sin Woon (Education), Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican (Foreign Affairs).

Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub (Rural and Regional Development), Masir Anak Kujat (Home Affairs) and Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani (Finance).

In announcing the Cabinet reshuffle yesterday, Najib said he wanted a Cabinet that could function as one solid and unified team.

He said he was convinced that the new Cabinet would be able go ahead with the government's desire to implement all promised programmes and raise the people's confidence in and support for the Barisan Nasional.