An assemblyperson from the MCA was sworn in today as a Kedah executive councillor, taking up a post left vacant for the party after it reversed a decision not to accept government posts following a dismal electoral performance.  

Dr Leong Yong Kong, 54, the assemblyperson for Gurun, took his oath of office before Kedah Council of Regency chairperson Tunku Annuar Sultan Badlishah and three other members of the council at the Istana Anak Bukit in Alor Setar.

Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir and all state executive councillors attended the event.

Leong, the Kedah MCA deputy chairperson, is the ninth state executive councillor. Mukhriz had appointed only eight executive councillors compared to the normal practice of naming 10, one of which was to be filled by an MCA representative.

“I will carry out my duties to the best of my ability in the interest of the state and the people and help to facilitate the running of the state government machinery,” Leong told reporters after the ceremony.

Mukhriz had said before that he had reserved the Environment, Chinese Community Affairs, Health and Unity Committee portfolio for a representative from the MCA.

The MCA had decided at an annual general meeting not to accept any government post if its performance in the 13th general election last year was worse than that of the 12th general election. It fared badly in the general election last year.

However, it decided at an extraordinary general meeting last month to allow party members to accept government appointments.

- Bernama