New ministers vow to perform

The seven individuals who were appointed full ministers in the new Cabinet line-up announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday have vowed to perform their duties with dedication.

Najib at a media conference in Putrajaya Tuesday afternoon had named Datuk Hamzah Zainudin as Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister; Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar as Natural Resources and Environment Minister; Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid as Education Minister; Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau as Science, Technology and Innovation Minister; Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak as Communications and Multimedia Minister; Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said as Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, and Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan as International Trade and Industry Minister II.

They begin their tenure today.

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Commenting on his appointment, Salleh, who is a former Sabah Chief Minister, said he would ensure the policies under Najib's leadership were implemented in the best way possible.

He said he would work as a team-player so that all policies are implemented effectively and benefited the people.

"I want to thank the Prime Minister of Malaysia who has given me the trust to be part of the new Cabinet," he said.

On his part, Mahdzir said he was thankful to the Prime Minister for putting faith in him to hold the post.

The former Deputy Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister said the post of Education Minister was a heavy responsibility as the education sector was the core of a nation's development.

"I will ensure that the education sector in this country moves forward and hope to get the full support of all parties in carrying out this challenging task," he said in a brief statement Tuesday.

Mahdzir, a former Kedah Menteri Besar and Padang Terap MP, takes over the Education portfolio from Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Meanwhile, Azalina who is Pengerang MP, said she was surprised with her Cabinet re-appointment.

She said she received the news of her re-appointment from a radio broadcast while attending a programme in her constituency as its elected representative.

"I was shocked with the news, but grateful to the Prime Minister for having the confidence in me to be part of the new Cabinet line-up," she told Bernama.

Azalina, who is also National Film Development Board (FINAS) chairman, said she hoped her re-appointment would strengthen the new Cabinet as well as Barisan Nasional (BN).

The last time Azalina was in Cabinet was as Tourism Minister (2008-2009). In 2004, she was appointed Youth and Sports Minister.

Meanwhile, Wilfred, who is also United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (UPKO) acting president, also expressed gratitude.

"My gratitude and appreciation to the Prime Minister for his confidence in me and UPKO. I thank one and all in UPKO. I will need my party's full support in this new endeavour," said the Tuaran PM in a statement.

A newcomer to the Cabinet, Wilfred has been involved in politics since the 1980s, and in 1999, he won the Tuaran parliamentary seat.

As for Wan Junaidi, he reportedly told Bernama he was moved and grateful to Najib for the latter's faith in appointing him as minister.

"I hope to resolve issues related to the environment including flood mitigation and irrigations for the benefit of the people," said the Santubong MP who takes over the post from former MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel.