GEORGE TOWN – The new Penang government derived from the 15th state assembly here will be unveiled to the public tomorrow in two elaborate ceremonies.
Invitations have been issued by the state secretariat for the signing ceremony involving the acceptance of the offer letters at Dewan Sri Pinang around 8am before the entourage is granted an audience with Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak for a swearing-in ceremony at the governor’s mansion here.
Party insiders said that both Pakatan Harapan (PN) and Barisan Nasional (BN) are fine-tuning the list of 10 state executive councillors including two deputy chief ministers.
The two deputy chief ministers represent the Malay and Indian communities respectively.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, 65, was sworn in on Sunday and he has submitted a list to be scrutinised and passed by the PH-BN leadership council.
One certainty is that a representative from Umno, as part of the PH-BN unity bloc, would be granted a slot in the state government for the first time in 15 years.
In last Saturday’s state election, PH-BN won 29 out of the 40 state seats – barely securing a two-thirds majority, with BN contributing two seats.
Among the names touted are new Bertam assemblyman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, who is an Umno Supreme Council member.
Former state executive councillors Jagdeep Singh Deo together with Zairil Khir Johari are also said to be among those recommended for another stint in the state government.
As for PH, which comprises DAP, PKR and Amanah, names such as Heng Lee Lee, Ong Ah Teong, Joseph Ng, and Datuk S. Sundarajoo, have been recommended.
Others being mentioned include Prof Datuk Mohammad Abdul Hamid, Lee Khai Loon, Gooi Hsiao Leung and Azrul Mahathir Aziz.
PKR may have to sacrifice its strong presence in the state government after it lost six out of the 13 state seats it had contested in the polls.
It is learnt that the party will only have two excos, but it may be given the coveted deputy chief minister I position.
PH insiders said that leadership wants a line-up which reflects unity and one which is ready to swing into action fast, as there is limited time to learn on the job.
Penang needs to roll-out several infrastructure projects or to ensure the existing ones proceed with limited complications, said the insiders.
There is also a need to address concerns over climate change, pollution, conservation and preservation since George Town is an accredited Unesco World Heritage Site. – The Vibes, August 15, 2023
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