Law Minister Liew clocks in
KUALA LUMPUR: Newly swornin Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of law, Datuk Liew Vui Keong, officially clocked in at his office here in Putrajaya on Tuesday ready to assume duties many of which he is already familiar of.
Together with him was his deputy Mohamed Hanipa Maidin, both of whom were welcomed by Deputy Chief Secretary Datuk Zainal Abidin Abu Hassan and other officials who later gave them a briefing on his ministry, its role and functions.
The 58-year-old Batu Sapi Member of Parliament served as Deputy Law Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department from 2009 to 2013 and headed the Malaysian Law Reform Agency where several laws in the country, including the then infamous Internal Security Act (ISA) and the Restricted Residence Act 1933 (Act 377), both of which were later repealed in 2011.
He had said that among his ministerial duties are to look into reforming more archaic laws in the new Malaysia, freeing the country’s from dysfunctional laws, liberating the people from restrictive laws and to look into ways of implementing the Malaysia Agreement 1963 as the country moves toward into the 21st century and where the people of all walks of life in the country can live prosperously and harmoniously in our diversities with equality, respect, tolerance and understanding of each other backgrounds regardless of race and creed. Thanking Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for the appointment, Liew said he will carry out his duties to the best of his abilities pursuant to the former’s pledge to ensure that the Constitution is upheld and according to the rule of law of this country.
He had said it is also in line with the wishes of the people in the state and country who demand all the laws protect their right and dignity.
Liew also thanked Parti Warisan President cum Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal for proposing him to the Prime Minister as one of the three full Federal Cabinet ministers from Sabah.
Finally, he expressed gratitude to his voters and supporters whose vote for him in the 14th general election reflected their desire for political change in his contituency, Sabah and the country.