PENANG has appointed 11 coordinators for the state constituencies held by the Opposition parties in the state.
These coordinators will be the facilitators between the Penang government and the constituents in those areas.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Pegawai Penyelaras KADUN (PPK), or coordinators, are appointed from among members of the political parties forming the state government.
“The nominations for appointment are submitted by the respective party leaders based on established criteria, to lead in constituencies won by the Opposition.
“The PPK positions were established in 2008 to continue and extend the state government’s policies to these areas, enabling the people to benefit from all the incentives and the implementation of the state’s i-Sejahtera programmes, especially those carried out periodically,” Chow said before the PPKs’ oath-taking ceremony in Komtar today.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, Penang Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, state Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, state Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol, and Chow’s political secretary Lau Keng Ee.
Chow also highlighted the responsibilities of a PPK.
“They function as intermediaries and facilitators bridging the gap between the populace and the Penang government, encompassing its various departments and agencies. Their primary focus lies in matters of the welfare of the people, notably in the distribution of aid and emergency assistance.
“The PPKs are also tasked with aiding the state government in strategizing, coordinating, and executing programmes that have enduring effects on the people, especially those intertwined with ongoing, planned, or implemented policies and initiatives.
“Furthermore, they are tasked with winning the hearts and minds of the people to sustain support for the state government’s endeavours aimed at enhancing the quality of community life,” he emphasised.
Chow also underscored the importance for PPKs to gather insights into ongoing socio-economic developments and the community’s needs, aligning them with the state government’s vision and mission. Additionally, he stressed the necessity of providing precise information to address prevailing issues or controversies within the local community, thus safeguarding peace and harmony.
He then mentioned that effective immediately, the supervision and administration of PPK operations would be delegated to Deputy Chief Minister I.
“As highlighted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Unity Government has never denied development plans in Opposition-held areas or states under his administration.
“Typically, the Penang government aligns its objectives with the Federal Government to ensure continued public support in the relevant areas,” Chow said.
Dr Mohamad extended heartfelt congratulations to all 11 newly appointed coordinators, encouraging them to provide their utmost dedication and service.
The 11 PPKs who took their oath of service are – Datuk Dr Shaik Hussein Mydin (Sungai Dua); Muhasdey Muhamad (Pinang Tunggal); Ahmad Abdullah (Telok Ayer Tawar); Mohamad Salehan Jahaya (Penanti); Fayyadh Afiq Albakqry Jaafar Sidek (Seberang Jaya); Muttaqeen Mustafa (Sungai Bakap); Nor Hafizah Othman (Permatang Berangan); Muhammad Hamdi Md Noor (Permatang Pasir); Mohd Naim Salleh (Penaga); Ahmad Razaaim Azimi (Pulau Betong); and Ahmad Zaki Shah Shah Headan (Teluk Bahang).
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Law Suun Ting