DR ZALIHA APPOINTED BBC CHAIRMAN

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- Sekijang MP Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa has been appointed chairman of the Backbenchers Club (BBC).

The appointment of the PKR lawmaker was announced by Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Ramli Mohd Nor in the Dewan Rakyat today.

“Yang Berhormat for Sekijang has been appointed as the BBC chairman. Congratulations. I have just been informed of the appointment,” he said.

The former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) replaces Paya Besar MP Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah, who has been appointed Deputy Minister of Economy.

Meanwhile, Dr Zaliha expressed her commitment to carrying out the mandate collectively and as a team, guided by a shared sense of responsibility to ensure political stability and the continued effectiveness of the parliamentary institution.

She said moving forward, the role of the BBC will be further strengthened as a strategic partner of the MADANI Government in ensuring that government business presented in Parliament is conducted with the interests of the people in mind.

“Within this framework, the BBC will serve to channel the views of government Members of Parliament constructively as part of the check and balance process.

“Priority will also be given to strengthening internal communication and understanding among government MPs,” she said in a statement posted on X today.

Dr Zaliha also conveyed her highest appreciation and thanks to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the leadership of the MADANI Government for entrusting her with the responsibility as BBC chairman.

“Immediately upon receiving the mandate, I paid a courtesy visit to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof, who is also Deputy Council Chair and Government Chief Whip, to seek guidance and direction regarding the role of the BBC in supporting the government’s agenda in Parliament.

“After that, I received the handover of duties as BBC chairman from Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Economy and former BBC chair. On behalf of the BBC, I expressed our appreciation for his commitment, which has laid an important foundation for the continuity of the club’s role,” she said.

-- BERNAMA