Eight state assemblypersons, including five new faces, were sworn in as Malacca state executive councillors before Yang Dipertua Negeri Mohd Khalil Yaakob at the Dewan Seri Negeri, Ayer Keroh today.

Three assemblyperson who were reappointed were Ayer Molek state assemblyperson Md Yunos Husin, who holds the higher education, science and technology, green technology and innovations portfolio; Asahan assemblyperson Abd Ghafar Atan (public works, public utilities, transport and project rehabilitation chairperson); and Telok Mas assemblyperson Latiff Tamby Chik (communications, solidarity, consumerism and cooperatives chairperson).

The five new faces who were appointed as exco members were Pantai Kundor assemblyperson Ab Rahaman Ab Karim (chairperson of health and sports development); Taboh Naning assemblyperson Latipah Omar (chairperson of women, family development and welfare) and Sungai Rambai assemblyperson Hasan Abd Rahman (chairperson of agriculture and entrepreneur development).

Kuala Linggi assemblyperson Ismail Othman was appointed as housing, local government and environment committee chairperson; while Gadek assemblyperson MS Mahadevan was appointed as company affairs, human resources and non-governmental organisations commitee chairperson.

Malacca Chief Minister Idris Haron held the finance, land, economic planning, investment and industrialisation, religious affairs, heritage, youth development and tourism portfolio.

Minor revamp if MCA accepts posts

In the meantime, the two seats quota for MCA was left temporarily vacant until the party made a resolution to return and hold posts in the government.

Idris, in his press conference after the ceremony, said he would carry out a minor revamp if the MCA members reaccepted the posts offered.

"Nevertheless, I will not forget my friends from the Chinese community, I am chief minister to all communities," he said.

On his exco lineup, Idris expressed confidence they would be able to spur Malacca to a higher level because they were experienced and experts in the portfolios entrusted to them.

Meanwhile, Idris also announced the names of eight deputy exco members.

He said they would be given offices and other facilities so they would be able to play a more effective role.

"Definitely, there are financial implications but don't worry, we have studied everything," he said.

- Bernama