Penanti rep replaces Afif as Penang exco

The Penang government has announced Penanti assemblyperson Norlela Ariffin as the new state executive councillor.

Norlela (photo) replaces Dr Afif Bahardin, who resigned from his post last Thursday, due to political struggle in his party.

In his announcement in Komtar today, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said Norlela's name was suggested by PKR.

She will now hold the portfolio of agriculture, agro-industries, rural development and health.

"The swearing-in ceremony for Norlela would be on March 12 at the Penang governor's residence in Seri Mutiara," Chow said.

Norlela, a two-term assemblyperson, is often vocal about state governance, especially in her constituency, which falls under Permatang Pauh.

Her complaint about illegal factories in Penanti led to MACC investigations and the arrest of state exco for environment Phee Boon Poh.

Norlela was one of the five PKR assemblypersons who abstained from voting against Umno's motion on reclamation in Penang. - Mkini