Umno to make comeback in Penang

August 16, 2023

Umno to make comeback in Penang

After 15 years, Umno man to get exco post; Jagdeep and Mohamad to be DCM

GEORGE TOWN: Penang DAP vice-chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo and PKR’s Batu Maung assemblyman Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid look likely to fill the two deputy chief minister posts, which has usually been reserved for an Indian and a Malay.

Earlier, there had been talk that Umno’s Bertam assemblyman and former minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican would be picked.

Sources said that barring any unforeseen circumstances, Pakatan Harapan’s top leadership would endorse the duo for the posts.

Since Pakatan Harapan (known as Pakatan Rakyat previously) came into power in Penang in 2008, the deputy chief minister I post has always gone to PKR, and the DCM II to DAP.

Mohamad Abdul was chosen due to his strong Islamic credentials, according to PKR sources.

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He has two PhDs, one in Islamic Finance from the Markfield Institute of Higher Education in the United Kingdom and another in Islamic Finance and Banking from the International Islamic University Malaysia.

A Penang PKR leader said Mohamad Abdul had met Chow for a brief meeting yesterday.

“We will be getting the DCM I post. It has always been ours,” he said confidently.

As for the DCM II post, Datok Keramat assemblyman Jagdeep Singh Deo looks to be a shoo-in due to his seniority, both in the state government and the state party leadership

In the spirit of the unity government, an Umno assemblyman is likely to be picked for an exco position.

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DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said on Monday that a Barisan assemblyman would be given a state exco post.

The appointment will mark the return of Umno to the state government after 15 years. Umno, together with Gerakan, MCA and MIC used to be part of the ruling Barisan coalition until 2008.

The two Umno representives are Reezal Merican, a former housing and local government minister (2021 to 2022), and Sungai Acheh assemblyman Rashidi Zinol.

In the past, the composition has always been DAP getting eight (including CM and DCM II) while PKR would get 3+1 (including DCM I post and deputy speaker post).

This time, it is understood that in order to keep the DCM I post, PKR would have to give up one exco position.

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There will also be a reshuffle of portfolios with Jagdeep, formerly the housing, local government chairman, expected to take over the trade and industry portfolio.

The housing committee is expected to be given to Perai assemblyman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo. Once the deputy chief executive officer of a large property development firm, Sundarajoo is well versed with the ins-and-outs of the property industry.

Tanjong Bunga assemblyman Zairil Khir Johari is likely to head the local government committee.

Paya Terubong assemblyman Wong Hon Wai, who is making a comeback to the state assembly, is also expected to be in the line-up.

Wong, who used to head the town and country planning and housing committee from 2008 to 2013, is set to head the tourism and creative economy portfolios.

Jawi assemblyman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye is likely to take charge of infrastructure, while Padang Lalang assemblyman Gooi Zi Sen is set to be in charge of youth and sports.

The woman’s quota is expected to go to Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, who will be in charge of women’ affairs.

PKR’s Pantai Jerejak assemblyman Fahmi Zainol will join Mohamad in the exco line-up.

Penang state assembly speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang is expected to be retained, while the deputy speaker post will go to the sole assemblyman from Amanah – Azrul Mahathir Aziz – as a reward for taking down Gerakan president Datuk Dominic Lau in Bayan Lepas.

All those nominated are scheduled to be sworn in at Dewan Sri Pinang at 9.30am today.