New exco line-up brimming with plans for harmonious Penang

THE only woman in the state exco line-up, Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim believes she has what it takes to succeed in her latest role.

Lim, who is serving her third term, is Penang social development, welfare and non-Islamic religious affairs committee chairman.

She thanked Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow for entrusting her with the portfolio.

Fahmi met MPKKs to get fresh perspectives on his new task.“My goal is to promote a harmonious society and ensure the well-being of Penang people in a much broader aspect than before.

“I served Penang Island City Council (it was Penang municipal council then) from 2008 to 2013 and I believe the experience has given me a strong foundation,” Lim told Buletin Mutiara.

Another newcomer Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo, who is Penang housing and environment committee chairman, said he would rectify issues concerning housing.

“I chose to retire at 60 to do some social work.

“When I was offered the chance to enter politics, I accepted as it will be a good platform to serve the people,” Sundarajoo said after the swearing-in ceremony at Dewan Sri Pinang last Wednesday.

Sunderajoo, a former developer, said his previous projects were all eco-friendly.

“We do not destroy greenery to build houses.

“Instead, we put back what we removed from the earth.

“We rescued big trees and replanted them,” he added.

Sundarajoo says he entered politics to serve the people.Sundarajoo, who is also Perai assemblyman, said he would focus on housing projects on the mainland too.

“The former exco member for housing, Jagdeep Singh Deo has done a good job to provide affordable homes and I want to continue his legacy,” he said.

Newly appointed agrotechnology, food security and cooperative development committee chairman Fahmi Zainol made a promising start by meeting all eight MPKKs (Village Community Management Councils) in his Pantai Jerejak constituency at his office in Komtar.

“The MPKK members play an important role in community work and I wanted to get fresh perspectives and feedback on my new task,” said Fahmi, who was a Seberang Prai city councillor.

The MPKK representatives were from Sungai Nibong Besar, Sungai Nibong Kecil, Sungai Nibong Pantai, Mahsuri, Kampong Jawa, Jalan Tengah Selatan, Jalan Tengah Utara and Mayang Pasir.

Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid said, “One of our main duties is to strengthen national unity and move forward together. We also need to drive Penang’s economy.”

Mohamad, who is Batu Maung assemblyman, is handling the Islamic development, education and national unity portfolio.

He was a rector of Kolej Islam Teknologi Antarabangsa Pulau Pinang (Kitab).

Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh, who is heading the human capital development, science and technology committee, said he was looking forward to the new challenge.

The Datok Keramat assemblyman was formerly Penang local government, housing, town and country planning committee chairman.