Chew Mei Fun uses deputy minister's platform to help develop women

Describing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's announcement as "unexpected", Chew viewed her appointment as Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister as a big trust that she was determined to execute the best she could.

"I have served in the same ministry for about six years and am confident it gives me the advantage to adapt and serve better.

"I also hope any efforts and plans that cannot be implemented previously will be realised in a more suitable form according to the current aspirations and needs of the people," she told Bernama Wednesday.

Previously Chew has served as deputy minister in the same ministry.

On the appointment of several other representatives from MCA and Gerakan as full ministers and deputy ministers, Chew said it showed Najib's aspiration on the 1Malaysia concept that always take into account the views of other races in the government's leadership line-up.

Meanwhile, MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel welcomed the inclusion of MCA and Gerakan leaders in the cabinet as the Chinese community needed their representation in the Cabinet.

His deputy Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam also said the development would further enhance the unity of the people of various races and increase support for the Barisan Nasional government.

The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Malaysia (ACCIM) said it looked forward to working with the newly-appointed ministers and deputy ministers in the business sphere and other activities.

Its president, Datuk Lim Kok Cheong said the Chinese business community would certainly welcome the appointment of Lee and Chua as deputy ministers of International Trade and Industry, and Finance, respectively.