Former minister Reezal Merican Naina Merican is keeping it positive after not being picked to represent BN in the Penang state government.
Asked whether he was disappointed, Reezal replied: “No, no.
“I’ve already been a minister, a deputy minister before.
“When people are given tasks, responsibilities, then as much as you needed people to support you last time, we must also support that person (in return),” he told Malaysiakini.
He added that he was a “party man” and would abide by orders.
Reezal (above) is one of two BN candidates who won seats in Penang during Saturday’s state election.
The other winning candidate, Sungai Acheh assemblyperson Rashidi Zinol, was sworn in as a Penang exco member today, holding the trade and entrepreneurial development, and rural development portfolio.
Ready to assist
Previously, there was speculation that Reezal could be picked as deputy chief minister, but today's oath-taking ceremony put a rest to such rumours.
Asked if the lack of Umno-BN representation in the new state line-up has caused dissatisfaction among Umno grassroots, or triggered a conflict between BN and DAP in Penang, Reezal said there was no such thing.
"Whether or not there is an issue... it depends on leaders. If a leader does not blow up (an issue), there won't be any problems," he added.
As a backbencher, Reezal is ready to assist the state government in whatever way possible.
"I am willing to play the part of a strong, active backbencher for the (state) government. I'm okay, as I'm a 'party man'," the former Kepala Batas MP reiterated.
Vast experience
During campaigning for the state election, former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin endorsed Reezal's run for the seat.
"It's very important to go out and vote, as it's our duty to pick a worthy candidate. I know in Bertam, some are hesitant to vote for BN due to certain reasons. Put BN aside and look at Reezal, and vote for him.
"One vote for Reezal is only for him, and not for anyone else. He is a good friend of mine, and has vast experience in both Umno and in the government," Khairy said while accompanying Reezal on the latter's campaign trail in Kepala Batas.
This morning, DAP's Jagdeep Singh Deo was sworn in as Penang deputy chief minister II, succeeding three-term representative P Ramasamy, who quit DAP after being left out of the candidates' line-up for the recently concluded state election.
The Datok Keramat assemblyperson will lead the human capital development, science, and technology portfolio.
PKR's Batu Maung assemblyperson Mohamad Abdul Hamid has been given the deputy chief minister I position and will also be in charge of the Islamic development, education, and national unity portfolio.
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