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FOUR state assemblymen from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) were officially sworn in as members of the Perlis State Executive Council (Exco) during a ceremony at Istana Arau on Thursday.
The oath-taking was conducted before the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail, in the Green Chamber at approximately 11.30 a.m.
The newly appointed Exco members are Izizam Ibrahim representing Titi Tinggi, Marzita Mansor of Sena, Megat Hashirat Hassan from Pauh, and Wan Zikri Afthar Ishak of Tambun Tulang. Their appointments mark the formation of a new state administration under the leadership of Menteri Besar Mohd Abu Bakar Hamzah, who retains six key portfolios.
Among Abu Bakar’s responsibilities are administration and finance; investment and the economy; land and natural resources; tourism and arts and culture; infrastructure and rural development; and security and border relations.
Izizam Ibrahim has been tasked with overseeing religious affairs, housing and local government, consumer affairs, and human capital development.
Marzita Mansor will handle portfolios relating to women, family and community development, education, social cohesion, welfare, and poverty eradication.
Megat Hashirat will manage agriculture, health, entrepreneurship and cooperatives, as well as environmental matters.
Wan Zikri Afthar will lead youth and sports, communications and digital affairs, transport, and science, technology, and innovation.
During the ceremony, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin stressed that all elected representatives must place the welfare of the people above party interests.
“Gentlemen, you have been elected to represent the people, not yourselves. You must prioritise the rakyat because the people and the state are the foremost priority. When serving as an elected representative, you must set aside party affiliation.
“You are a representative for all citizens, and if they require assistance, it must be provided regardless of party. Put the rakyat above the party,” he said.
The Raja further emphasised that fairness and diligence are essential for elected officials. “Representatives must act justly and not neglect their duties in understanding and responding to the needs of the people,” he added.
The ceremony, which began at 11 a.m., was attended by the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, and the Raja’s son, Syed Sirajuddin Areeb Putra Jamalullail. Other notable attendees included Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah, former Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli, State Secretary Datuk Rahimi Ismail, Mufti of Perlis Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, State Legal Advisor Yang Zaimey Yang Ghazali, and Perlis State Assembly Speaker Rus’sele Eizan.
All assemblymen from PAS were present, with the exception of Asrul Aimran Abd Jalil representing Kayang. - January 8, 2025