Mohd Rashid Hasnon is Penang's new DCM I

PKR's Pantai Jerejak assemblyperson Mohd Rashid Hasnon has been appointed the new Penang Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) I following the state executive councillors’ swearing in ceremony at the Dewan Sri Penang today.

Rashid replaces former DCM I and state PKR chief Mansor Othman, who has gone on to become Nibong Tebal MP, after defeating state Umno liason chief Zainal Abidin Osman on Sunday's polls.

Rashid is a long and tested loyal member of PKR since the reformasi days and his previous involvement in Jemaah Islaah Malaysia would help the DAP-led government to ward off unwanted opposition from pro-Umno NGOs, bent on criticising the leadership for lacking Malay or Muslim representation.

As he has proven himself to be able to retain his seat in Perai with a higher majority than 2008 (from 5,176 to 7,959), P Ramasamy is retained as DCM II.

There are currently 11 state exco posts which must be shared between the three ruling parties. 

PKR has won an extra seat (from nine to 10) in the just concluded general election, and that has given it the mandate to seek another exco post.

PAS, unable to capture any more seats that the current one, has no bargaining power to plead for more representation in the state administration.

PKR previously held the posts of Religious Affairs, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (Abdul Malik Kassim) and Agriculture and Agro-based Industries, Rural Development and Flood Mitigation (Law Choo Kiang).

Abdul Malik (right), who has been able to withstand the onslaught of anti-government NGOs and propaganda towards the state's treatment of Islamic and Malay affairs, has been retained in his post.

Datok Keramat assemblyperson Jagdeep Singh Deo has replaced Air Itam assemblyperson Wong Hon Wai for the the Town and Countryside Planning, Housing portfolio, which the latter previously held.

The portfolio is a very important one as housing issues has hogged the limelight in the past five years and is expected to become an even bigger challenge for the state government in this term as it is now expected to implement its election pledges of providing low-medium cost and affordable homes for the people.

The Penang state exco line-up for 2013 are: 

1. Land Affairs and Land Development, Entrepreneur Development, Information and Heritage - Lim Guan Eng (Bagang parliament and Air Putih state seat) - incumbent.

2. Industry Development, International Trade, Cooperatives and Societal Relationship - Rashid Hasnor (Pantai Jerejak) - new.

3. State Economic Planning, Education and Human Resources, Science, Technology and Innovation -  P Ramasamy (Perai) - incumbent.

4. Local Government and Traffic Management portfolio - Chow Kon Yeow (Padang Kota) - incumbent.

5. Public Works, Utilities and Transport - Lim Hock Seng (Bagan Lalang).

6. Religious Affairs, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs -  Abdul Malik Kassim (Batu Maung) - incumbent.

7. Agriculture and Agro-based Industries, Health, Rural Development and Flood Mitigation - Dr Afif Bahardin (Seberang Jaya) - new.

8. Tourism Development, Culture, Arts and Heritage -  Danny Law Heng Kiang (Batu Lanchang).

9. Welfare, Caring Society and Environment - Phee Boon Poh (Sungai Puyu).

10. Town and Countryside Planning, Housing - Jagdeep Singh Deo (Datok Keramat).

11. Youth and Sports, Women, Family and Community Development  - Chong Eng (Padang Lalang) - new.