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KUALA LUMPUR – Incoming home minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said he will get tips from predecessor Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin on helming the portfolio.
Saifuddin, who is now a senator, added that he respects Hamzah as a former home minister seeing the two have had a good relationship over the decades, reported Bernama.
The Pakatan Harapan secretary-general also said he learnt a lot from the Hamzah in 2018 when Saifuddin was appointed domestic trade and consumer affairs minister – another portfolio that the Bersatu man has helmed in his career.
“I also learned a lot from him in terms of understanding the ministry’s essential tasks and the challenges,” Saifuddin said after being sworn in as a senator in Parliament today.
He added that while his leadership style and Hamzah’s differ, governance principles remain the same.
“Of course I have my priorities, but I will contact Hamzah to get some tips to understand the role and function of the ministry.”
Asked about the priorities he was referring to, Saifuddin said he would look at all aspects related to each agency under the ministry.
“Among them will be the Prison Department regarding the issue of overcrowding as well as the staffing for all agencies under the ministry.
“As for Rela (People’s Volunteer Corp), presence and preparedness are (already) good, but logistics, support, and the workplace environment need improving.”
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday announced his picks for a 28-member cabinet, which included Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof as his deputies. – The Vibes, December 3, 2022