Singled out for absence, Azmin makes appearance in S’gor assembly

KUALA LUMPUR – In his first appearance since the start of the fifth term of the 14th Selangor assembly, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali (Bukit Antarabangsa-Bersatu) participated in the debate on the state’s plans to create high-skilled and lucrative jobs for youth.

He and Harumaini Omar (Batang Kali-Pejuang) were singled out by assembly speaker Ng Suee Lim yesterday for being absent since the start of the sitting on November 23.

In today’s sitting, Azmin posed a question to Mohd Khairuddin Othman (Paya Jaras-PKR), who is also state executive councillor for Young Generation, Sports and Human Capital Development.

Drawing on his experience as former senior minister for International Trade and Industry, Azmin asked whether the state has taken steps to align its efforts in tandem with the new national investment policy launched last October.

“What are the steps taken by the state to ensure that the labour force in Selangor is able to meet the demands of industries such as the digital sector as well as other new sectors?

“Secondly, what steps have been taken by the state to streamline efforts to be in tandem with the national investment policy that emphasises five main sectors – automotive, pharmaceutical, electrical and electronic products, digital, and chemical industries?

“I believe if these steps are streamlined, we are able to fulfil our objective to create better job opportunities for the youth in Selangor.”

In response, Khairuddin reiterated that the state has launched several initiatives, such as Ikhtisas Smart Selangor, to resolve the mismatch of jobs and skills as well as carry out job matching through its various state agencies.

Yesterday, Ng said that only 70% of the 56 representatives attended the current sitting, making it one of the lowest turnouts ever recorded at the state assembly.

Selangor lawmakers’ poor attendance also compelled Ng to address the issue of whether state excos should answer written questions submitted by absent assemblymen during the sitting.

He stated that assemblymen must be present to field questions to exco members. – The Vibes, November 30, 2022