GEORGE TOWN – Newly minted Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo wants to be known as a leader who serves all races and focuses on assisting those who truly need help.
The post is not one-dimensional, it represents the entire state government machinery, and it is designed to help all people, including the Indian community, said Jagdeep.
“Let me stress here. My role is to assist all in need. We need to move in tandem with the demands and needs of all people,” he said in an interview.
He said his role is also to assist Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and the other state executive councillors in ensuring the delivery system is efficient here.
His late father, the legendary DAP fighter Karpal Singh, had campaigned on the basis of serving all of those in need and the downtrodden, likewise Jagdeep.
As for his new portfolios, Jagdeep said that science and technology are areas where Penang is wired up in view of the state’s role as part of the global supply chain for electrical and electronics components.
“Science and technology are now part of everyday life. It has become crucial in making our daily lives easier so my role is to ensure that Penang can benefit more from it,” said Jagdeep.
Hence, Jagdeep wants to reach out to all stakeholders in the fields of science and technology to ensure they can offer something beneficial to the state.
Human capital development is also part of the process to upgrade the skill levels of workers in Penang so they can compete in a world driven by science and technology, said Jagdeep.
He also promised to assist state executive councillors Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo and Jason H’ng in meeting the demand for affordable housing and quality local government services.
Jagdeep said that he had overseen 113 smart initiatives, which enabled both the city councils on the island and the mainland to digitalise their services to the ratepayers.
As for becoming the first Punjabi to hold a top post in the state government, Jagdeep said that he has received a steady stream of well-wishers.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and thanked the people for their support. Now is time to get down to the business of meeting the demands and offering solutions.”
Jagdeep said that to achieve the aspirations of the people, he needs support from all levels of the government. – The Vibes, August 23, 2023
