Pahang Exco members willing to set aside differences, to prioritise people's welfare

PEKAN, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- Two Pakatan Harapan (PH) assemblymen who were appointed as Pahang Executive Council (Exco) members are willing to set aside political differences with Barisan Nasional (BN) by prioritising the welfare of the people.

Teruntum assemblyman Sim Chon Siang from PKR said although their portfolios are yet to be announced, he wants to use the opportunity of being in the Exco lineup to champion the issues affecting the people, such as the economy, job opportunities and infrastructure.

“It’s a bit strange because, in the past, we always criticised them (BN), but now we are like brothers. However, we have to prioritise the people. So I will continue bringing the people’s issues in the state assembly sitting and Exco meetings because the people need answers,” he told reporters today.

He was met after the presentation of the instrument of appointment and the swearing-in ceremony held before Pahang Regent Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Istana Abu Bakar here.

Sim and Triang assemblyman Leong Yu Man are two PH representatives appointed as Pahang Exco members together with eight BN assemblymen after both coalitions agreed to work together to form the state government.

This was after the 15th General Election results saw no party secure a simple majority of 22 seats to form the state government. BN won 16 seats, one less than Perikatan Nasional (PN), while PH won eight in the 42-seat state legislative assembly.

In the meantime, Leong from DAP described the political situation in Pahang as a new era and hoped that the unity between the two coalitions would become more robust so that the various plans for the people could be implemented in the next five years.

“The primary focus is to assist the people in key issues like the economy, and I believe this is also what the people want,” she said.

As for Datuk Mohamad Nizar Mohd Najib, the son of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, he sees no problem for BN and PH to be in the state administration and is determined to do his job well.

“No reasons why we can’t (work together)...we can see around the world lots of political coalitions. People have given their mandate, and we have to set aside the differences for the people of Pahang,” said the Peramu Jaya assemblyman.

Meanwhile, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the portfolio for all 10 Exco members would be announced soon.

-- BERNAMA