KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 — Sekijang MP Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa has been appointed chairperson of the Backbenchers Club (BBC).
The PKR lawmaker’s appointment was announced by Deputy Speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor in the Dewan Rakyat today.
“Yang Berhormat for Sekijang has been appointed as BBC chairperson. Congratulations. I have just been informed of the appointment,” he said.
Dr Zaliha, who is former Federal Territories minister, replaces Paya Besar MP Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah, who is now deputy economy minister.
Dr Zaliha expressed her commitment to carrying out her mandate as part of a team, guided by a shared sense of responsibility to ensure political stability and the continued effectiveness of the parliamentary institution.
She said that moving forward, the BBC’s role will be strengthened as a strategic partner of the Madani Government in ensuring government business presented in Parliament is conducted with the people’s interests in mind.
“Within this framework, the BBC will serve to constructively channel the views of government MPs as part of the check and balance.
“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 gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Madani Government leaders for entrusting her with the responsibility.
“Upon receiving the mandate, I immediately paid a courtesy call on 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 chairperson 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,” Dr Zaliha said.
