Wan Azizah sworn in as DPM

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s first woman Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail led a line-up of 13 Cabinet ministers in taking their oath of office, loyalty and secrecy before Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V at Istana Negara yesterday.

The event was witnessed by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Also present was his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali.

The ceremony began at 5.45pm with the acceptance of the instruments of appointment by Wan Azizah as the deputy prime minister and minister of Women and Family Development.

She then took her oath and signed the official letter of appointment, witnessed by Chief Justice Tun Raus Sharif and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Ali Hamsa.

Subsequently, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and Parti Amanah Negara president Mohamad Sabu took their oaths together as home minister, finance minister and defence minister respectively.

This was followed by Simpang Renggam MP Dr Maszlee Malik, Titiwangsa MP Rina Harun and PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali taking their oaths together as education minister, rural development minister and economic affairs minister respectively. – Bernama