Waytha sworn in as minister in PM’s dept

> Four others take oath of office as deputy ministers

KUALA LUMPUR: Senator P. Waytha Moorthy was appointed and sworn in yesterday as a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (National Unity and Social Wellbeing). Four newly appointed senators were sworn in as deputy ministers.

Penang Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) chief Senator Marzuki Yahya was appointed and sworn in as deputy foreign minister; PPBM Ketereh division chief Senator Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin was appointed and sworn in as deputy economic affairs minister.

DAP Johor chairman Senator Liew Ching Tong was appointed and sworn in as deputy defence minister and Parti Amanah Negara Terengganu chairman Senator Datuk Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad was appointed and sworn in as deputy housing and local government minister.

These five senators took their oath of office and loyalty as minister and deputy ministers before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Muhammad V, at Istana Negara.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail witnessed the ceremony.

At the ceremony, held at the Bilik Singgahsana Kecil (Small Throne Room), Waytha Moorthy took his oath first.

He then signed the letter of appointment and oath of office and loyalty, witnessed by Chief Justice Tan Sri Richard Malanjum and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa.

Earlier, Waytha Moorthy and the four others were sworn in as senators for a three-year term effective from yesterday. – Bernama

... Parliamentarians listening attentively as Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V delivers his royal address at the opening of the first session of the 14th Parliament yesterday.

From left: Liew, Waytha Moorthy, Marzuki, Mohd Radzi and Raja Kamarul Bahrin after they were sworn in yesterday.