Tough task ahead for Chow in forming new Penang exco?

[superadmin]

GEORGE TOWN – Facing a resurgent opposition, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow now contends with an uphill task in selecting the best names as two deputy chief ministers and eight state executive councillors

Chow, 65, who is fresh into his second term after receiving a two-third mandate over the weekend, had just punched in on his first day on the job when reports emerged of flash floods and unusual storms in the Batu Ferringhi tourism belt.

This time, there was no senior state executive councillor Phee Boon Poh to explain climate change’s ill-effects on Penang.

All eyes are now on Chow as he is expected to unveil the state government line-up within the next several days.

- More -

[superadmin]

Jagdeep made Penang DCM II, Reezal not in exco lineup

GEORGE TOWN: Dato Keramat assemblyman Jagdeep Singh Deo of DAP has been named Penang deputy chief minister II while PKR’s Batu Maung assemblyman, Mohamad Abdul Hamid, is deputy chief minister I.

Jagdeep succeeds P Ramasamy who held the post for three terms, since the 12th general election (GE12) in 2008, but was dropped as a candidate in the recent state polls.

Jagdeep will oversee the portfolio of human capital development, science, and technology, while Mohamad will be responsible for Islamic development, education, and national unity.

Bertam assemblyman Reezal Merican Naina Merican of Umno, who was rumoured to be made a deputy chief minister, has not been named as an executive councillor (exco).

Barisan Nasional’s Sungai Acheh assemblyman, Rashidi Zinol, is the coalition’s sole representative in the state cabinet. He will head the trade and entrepreneurial development, and rural development committee.

The 11-man exco lineup, which includes eight new faces, comprises eight DAP representatives, two from PKR, and one from Umno.

Source: FMT