Dr Norlela Ariffin of PKR will replace former Penang state executive councillor (exco) Dr Afif Bahardin.
This was announced by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow during a press conference today.
Norlela, a Penanti assemblyman, is the first female in PKR to hold the state executive councillor’s post.
Dr Afif quit his position last week.
Chow said Norlela’s name was the only one given by the state PKR to fill the post left by Dr Afif.
“As such, I want to announce that Norlela will be appointed to replace Dr Afif.
“She will hold the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, Rural Development and Health portfolio,” he said.
Chow said Norlela’s swearing-in ceremony would be held on March 12 at Seri Mutiara.
It was reported that Norlela expressed surprise over the appointment.
“This is totally unexpected, unplanned. I didn’t know that I would be appointed.
“During the state PKR leadership meeting on Friday, nothing was raised on this issue.
“Nevertheless, I thank everyone for the opportunity and trust placed upon me to assume the state executive councillor’s post,” she was quoted as saying.
She said she had spoken to Chow briefly prior to the announcement.
Norlela said the components of her portfolio were no stranger to her.
“In terms of agriculture and agro-based industry and rural development, I have been working with the various target groups in my capacity as the assemblyman.
“Also, I have been working with the Health Ministry on numerous occasions in the past, from food testing to methadone.
“So, I am prepared to assume my new responsibility and will perform to the best of my ability,” she added.
Norlela, 57, a two-term assemblyman, previously worked as the senior principal analyst in the Malaysia Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) under the Prime Minister’s Department.
She worked there from the time Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was the prime minister until Datuk Seri Najib Razak took over.
She was also previously the vice-president of a public listed company.