Reezal Merican says ready to be strong backbencher in Penang
GEORGE TOWN, Aug 16 — Barisan Nasional’s Bertam assemblyman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican is ready to be a strong backbencher as part of the Pakatan Harapan-BN unity state government.
The former minister, who was initially tipped to be named as the deputy chief minister I, said he is ready to help the state government as a backbencher.
He told Malaysiakini that he was not disappointed that he was not appointed in the state exco lineup.
"I am willing to play the part of a strong, active backbencher for the (state) government. I'm okay, as I'm a 'party man'," he reportedly said.
This morning, the 10 state exco were sworn in, including BN assemblyman for Sungai Acheh, Rashidi Zinol.
The two deputy chief ministers' posts are held by Prof Datuk Mohamad Abdul Hamid (from PKR) and Jagdeep Singh Dep (from DAP).
Reezal said he had held a minister and a deputy minister posts previously.
"When people are given tasks, responsibilities, then as much as you needed people to support you last time, we must also support that person (in return),” he was quoted as saying.
He said he was a "party man” so he would comply with orders from the party leadership.
Reezal also said there was no dissatisfaction among the Umno grassroots over the new state exco lineup.
"Whether or not there is an issue... it depends on leaders. If a leader does not blow up (an issue), there won't be any problems," he said.
Reezal was previously the Kepala Batas MP since 2013 before losing the seat in the 15th general election last year.
He was the deputy minister of foreign affairs between 2015 and 2018, minister of youth and sports between 2020 and 2021 and minister of housing and local government between 2021 and 2022.
He won the Bertam seat against Perikatan Nasional’s Khaliq Mehtab Mohd Ishaq with a 2,321-vote majority on Saturday’s state elections.
