Rebel Kedah excos sworn in
MB: New portfolios not a demotion
ALOR SETAR: Both the rebel Kedah executive councillors have been sworn in for a new term, a month after their term ended on March 7.
Datuk Phahrolrazi Zawawi and Datuk Dr Ismail Salleh, however, have been given new portfolios.
Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak said this would allow both the men to focus on the next general election.
“These two men are my generals in the state PAS and they will lead the party’s election battle.
“The size of the portfolios given to them does not mean they have been downgraded.
“They have important roles in the party for the elections,” he said yesterday.
Phahrolrazi and Dr Ismail had earlier taken their oath of office before Kedah Council of Regency chairman Datuk Seri Tunku Annuar Sultan Badlishah at Istana Anak Bukit here.
The two exco members had earlier rejected their reappointment as state exco members due to differences of opinion with Azizan but later agreed to be reappointed to the post after PAS’ central party leadership intervened.
The episode led to the setting up of a Steering Committee by PAS to advise the mentri besar on managing the state.
Phahrolrazi now holds the Local Government, Water Supply, Water Resources and Power, while Dr Ismail is heading the NonGovernmental Organisations, Science and Innovation, Communication and Information Technology Committee.
Both of them were at the press conference and said they were happy to be reappointed.
“It doesn’t matter what portfolio I get as I will still serve the state,” said Phahrolrazi.
Dr Ismail said the change in portfolio would enable him to focus more on the elections.
The other eight executive councillors, who were sworn in on Feb 28, were also at the ceremony.