KUALA KANGSAR, 10 Feb 2009: The Barisan Nasional (BN) state executive councillors (excos) for Perak, who were sworn-in today, assured the people of the state that the coalition was committed to pursuing its agenda for them.
The BN agenda for the state was derailed when Pakatan Rakyat came into power after the March 2008 general election.
Kota Tampan assemblyperson Datuk Shaarani Mohamad, who is among the six new excos, said various development programmes that had been slated for the state but could not be continued because the Pakatan Rakyat took power, would now be resumed.
Shaarani told this at a press conference called by the newly-appointed excos at the Kuala Kangsar Rest House here. He and the other five had taken their oath of office before Sultan Azlan Shah of Perak at Istana Iskandariah here earlier today.
Another exco, Kamunting assemblyperson Mohd Zahir Abdul Khalid said the BN excos would discharge their duties with total commitment to improve the people’s economy especially during the current difficult economic situation.
“The people’s welfare will be our utmost priority,” said Mohd Zahir, who is also Taiping Umno Youth chief.
Sungai Manik assemblyperson Zainol Padzi Paharudin, who also made the line-up out of the 28 BN assemblymen in the state, said the new exco line-up would ensure the people’s welfare was looked into irrespective of race.
“This is the trust placed in us and we will do our best to fulfill it,” said the Perak Umno Youth chief, adding that having younger faces in the line-up would help the BN to win over more youth to it.
The sole woman exco, Hamidah Osman, said the new exco line-up would go all out to regain the confidence of the people in the BN.
“I urge the people to accept this transition of power calmly,” said Hamidah, who is also the assemblyperson for Sungai Rapat.
Meanwhile, Manong assemblyman Datuk Ramly Zahari, who was not present at the press conference, told Bernama that the BN now must give priority to people development as only this could help get back the confidence of the people in the component parties in the coalition.
“The exco line-up of old and new faces is a dynamic combination that will be able to meet new Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir’s aspirations for the people,” he said.
He added that the Bukit Gantang by-election to be called soon would be the “baptism of fire” for the new government.
Meanwhile, no untoward incidents took place during the swearing-in of the new excos earlier today and police were present in full strength to ensure there was no repeat of the rioting that happened outside the Istana when Zambry was sworn-in as the new Menteri Besar of Perak on 6 Feb.
The BN took over power in Perak after four Pakatan Rakyat assemblypersons resigned from their respective parties. One assemblyperson rejoined Umno while the other three becoming BN-friendly Independents, tipping the balance of power to the BN. — Bernama
See also: New Perak exco sworn in
