’YB Hulk’ retains exco post, other DAP rep Saminathan rumoured to be defecting

Pengkalan Batu assemblyman Datuk Norhizam Hassan Baktee, who defected from Pakatan Harapan, is retaining his executive councillor (exco) position under the new Perikatan Nasional-led state government.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Datuk Sulaiman Md Ali announced that Norhizam would be helming the Agriculture, Agro-based, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative committee.

Popularly known as “YB Hulk”, Norhizam, the former Melaka DAP deputy chairman, crossed over to Perikatan at the eleventh hour, angering many Pakatan supporters.

Many of his party comrades were surprised with his move to join hands with their foes.

Rembia assemblyman Datuk Muhammad Jailani Khamis, formerly of PKR, also keeps his portfolio, the Tourism and Heritage committee.

Sulaiman also announced that former chief minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron would helm the Rural Development and Water Resources committee.

Two Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia assemblymen who were earlier axed from the coalition for reportedly not cooperating with Perikatan were also given positions in the new line-up.

Paya Rumput assemblyman Datuk Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen will helm the Youth and Sports committee, while Telok Mas assemblyman Datuk Noor Effandi Ahmad is leading a new portfolio that known as Exco in the Chief Minister’s Department.

One exco position, the Consumerism, Human Resources and Unity committee, is still vacant.

Meanwhile, there has been talk that Gadek assemblyman G. Saminathan of the DAP will also defect.

A Melaka DAP assemblyman, who requested anonymity, said Saminathan had abruptly quit all WhatsApp groups with the state Pakatan on Thursday (March 12).

Saminathan was earlier detained for his alleged involvement in Liberation of Tamil Tigers Eelam (LTTE) and was released last month after charges were dropped.

The Star