PUTRAJAYA, March 9 — Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced today the formation of two new ministries: Ministry of National Unity, and the Ministry of Environment.
The former will be headed by Umno’s Kota Tinggi MP Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique, while the latter will be headed by PAS’ Kubang Kerian MP Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.
Halimah’s deputy will be Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
Meanwhile, Tuan Ibrahim’s deputy will be Ahmad Masrizal Muhammad, who is the political secretary to Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who will be appointed senator.
“Malaysia is known around the world as a country that has a composition of many ethnicities, cultures and religions. A solid inter-ethnic unity is a determinant of the continuity and survival of our country,” the prime minister said in his speech here.
Previously, the National Unity and Integration Department was under the Prime Minister’s Department.
Its minister was previously P. Waytha Moorthy, who proved to be controversial with some in the Malay-Muslim majority.
“The aspect of environmental sustainability is also important to create a better life for us, our children, and the future generation. Natural resources in our country must be protected,” Muhyiddin added today.
In addition, the Higher Education Ministry is also a separate ministry now. It has previously been combined with the Education Ministry.
Its minister is Umno’s Parit Sulong MP Datuk Noraini Ahmad, together with deputy, Bersatu’s Nibong Tebal MP Datuk Mansor Othman.
