"I was completely caught by surprise and had not anticipated the announcement made by the prime minister."

Those are the immediate words in response from Othman Aziz after he found out that he had been appointed as deputy finance minister today.

Nevertheless, Othman, who is Jerlun Umno vice-chief, said he was grateful and truly appreciated the confidence and trust placed in him by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

"Insyallah (God willing), I will do my level best to help him (the prime minister) and finance minister in discharging our duties at the ministry," he told Bernama when contacted in Alor Setar.

Othman also thanked all the voters in Jerlun for their support and hoped that they would continue supporting him for many more years to come.

"I hope they will also benefit from this appointment," he said.

- Bernama