Former Royal Malaysian Air Force major Zaidi Ahmad, who was sacked for challenging the Election Commission on the indelible ink used in the 2013 general election, was today sworn in as the Penang chief minister’s information officer.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who witnessed the swearing-in ceremony in Komtar, said Zaidi is tasked with running the state’s Equitable Economic Agenda (or AES - Agenda Ekonomi Saksama) for the poor.

Lim said Zaidi could inspire the youths to improve their lot in life as he is one of the country’s “success stories”, having realised the dream of most young boys - becoming a pilot.

“It’s not easy to be a pilot,” he said at a press conference to announce Zaidi’s appointment.

Lim said Zaidi, who is currently Parti Amanah Negara Kepala Batas division communications director, was also chosen because of his principles.

“He was willing to pay a high price for his principles,” he said.

Zaidi was sacked from his job by the military court of the RMAF after he challenged the Election Commission on the issue of the indelible ink.

Zaidi lodged a police report during the 2013 general election, which was deemed to be against his work ethics.

Tasked to meet with youths

Lim said Zaidi would be tasked to meet with youths to explain to them why they must succeed, and to come home to contribute to the state.

The AES programme is to assist the hardcore poor by topping up their earnings to RM750 a month.

Zaidi’s job is to monitor and motivate the recipients, and to ensure that the money is well spent.

Lim also announced the appointment of Raja Syazana Raja Shuib as an engineer in the Penang Island City Council.

Raja Syazana is a graduate of Seoul National Universit, which is among the top 30 universities in the world, and is fluent in the Korean language.

“For her to graduate in four years in the engineering field, without repeating a year, is a very creditable achievement,” Lim said.

“We are happy that she is wiling to work with the state government as the Penang government is open to all excellent university students.”

In 2013, the year she graduated in civil and environmental engineering, Raja Syazana produced a conceptual bridge design for the Han River in South Korea as part of a three-person team.