New ministers, deputies sworn in

(From left) Mahdzir, Wan Junaidi and Hamzah Zainudin taking their oath of office and secrecy before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah.

KUALA LUMPUR: Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin led the line-up of new ministers and deputy ministers in taking their oath of office and secrecy before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, here Wednesday.

The swearing-in took place at the Bilik Singgahsana Kecil (Small Throne Room) at the Istana Negara, beginning at 10am.

After Hamzah, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid were sworn in.

The three ministers then signed the instrument of appointment before Chief Justice Tun Arifin Zakaria and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa.

Subsequently, Communications and Multimedia Minister Senator Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said and Second International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan took their oaths.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau did not attend the swearing-in. He is reportedly in Italy.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi were present at the ceremony.

Najib announced a Cabinet reshuffle on Tuesday.

The swearing-in of the new deputy ministers began with Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Johari Baharom taking the oath. Subsequently, Deputy Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin and Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed took their oaths.

The rest of the nine new deputy ministers who took their oath of office and secrecy are Senator Datuk Dr Asyraf Wadjdi Dusuki (Prime Minister's Department - religious affairs), Senator Chong Sin Woon (Education), Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican (Foreign Affairs). -Star