KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong is expected to be sworn in as new Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister tomorrow morning.
He will report for duty at his new office at 2pm.
In a statement today, Mah, who is Gerakan president, thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on his appointment
“It is a great privilege and responsibility to be taking on the role of Plantations and Commodities Minister; I thank the Prime Minister for putting his confidence in me.
“I will do my very best to further the cause of plantations and commodities in Malaysia and look forward to this new role,” he said.
Mah said he knows it will not be an easy task but he is ready do his best.
“In the days and weeks ahead, I will be bringing my team together, taking consultations and briefings widely from all parties and work together on improving the plantation industries. I realise my appointment comes with important responsibilities and I pledge to do my best.”
Mah’s appointment was announced by the prime minister today. Joining Mah at the ministry is Datuk Datu Nasrun Datu Mansur, who is Deputy Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister.
Nasrun, who is Silam Member of Parliament extended his appreciation for the trust given by the prime minister.
"I am thankful for the trust given by appointing me to this position.
"I will be in Putrajaya tomorrow and listen to the directive from the prime minister, including the scope of work and duties I am responsible for following the appointment," he said.
Meanwhile, Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGV) congratulated Mah and Nasrun following their appointments.
FGV president and chief executive officer Datuk Zakaria Arshad, in a statement, expressed hope that Mah and Nasrun will introduce innovative ideas to the plantation industry and commodities to strengthen its growth.
FGV also expressed confidence that this new leadership will further enhance government-to-government (G2G) initiatives with significant economic powerhouses such as China and India that will, in turn, promote business-to-business (B2B) relations that generate more value creation for Malaysia's palm oil and rubber exports.