KUALA LUMPUR: Twenty-seven deputy ministers had sworn in before Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Istana Negara today (Saturday) and with that ceremony, the Unity Government is now complete under the leadership of Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The deputy ministers took their oath of office, loyalty and secrecy before signing the official documents on their appointment and witnessed by Chief Justice, Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd. Zuki Ali.
Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail were present to witness the historical ceremony that began at 3.00pm.
The line-up of deputy ministers of the Unity Government was announced by Anwar last night.
Also in attendance were the two Deputy Prime Ministers-Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof who is also the Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities. Their wives were also present to witness the swearing ceremony of the deputy ministers.
Inspector General of Police, Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani and Chief of Defence Force, General Tan Sri Affendi Buang were also present.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Finance, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said, he would use his experience working with three ministries including the Finance Ministry to help the people and the country.
“I hope my experiences can help me carry my duties besides implementing policies drawn up under the Unity Government in the best possible ways. I regard my appointment as a trust that must be fulfilled and not something to brag about.”
“I will carry out my duties to the best of my ability,” he said to the media after taking his oath of office before His Majesty Al-Sultan Abdullah at Istana Negara today.
On the other hand, Deputy Minister of Local Government Development: Akmal Nasrullah Mohd. Nasir said, he thanked the prime minister for the trust in appointing him as the deputy minister and being part of the Unity Government.
“I hope the people will give me a chance to prove my capability in shouldering the big responsibility entrusted to me,” he said.
Steven Sim Chee Keong who has been appointed as the deputy minister of finance said, this is the opportunity for him to serve with experienced ministers namely the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan who used to be his “political enemy”.
“We are now upholding the King’s decree to work together under the Unity Government,” he said as quoted by Bernama. – Malaysia World News
