CABINET RESHUFFLE (June 25): MCA deputy president Datuk Chan Kong Choy was named Transport Minister in a minor government reshuffle following the resignation of Datuk Seri Dr Ling Liong Sik. Chan was Deputy Finance Minister II, a post now held by Wanita MCA chief Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen. Her Deputy Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister post was given to International Trade and Industry parliamentary secretary Datuk Fu Ah Kiow. Another parliamentary secretary from the MCA, Datuk Donald Lim (Transport), was elevated to deputy minister in the Information Ministry. PPP president Datuk M. Kayveas was designated Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, moving from the Housing and Local Government Ministry. PBB Youth leader Datuk Douglas Uggah Embass is now the Deputy Transport Minister. Two MPs were made parliamentary secretaries. They are Ipoh Barat MP Datuk Ho Cheong Sing in the International Trade and Industry Ministry, and Arau MP Datuk Mastika Junaidah Husin, who was appointed to the newly-created post in the Women and Family Development Ministry.
MOGGIE RESIGNS (June 26): Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak president Datuk Amar Leo Moggie has resigned from his party post barely a month before the party elections. Based on the party’s constitution, his deputy, Datuk Daniel Tajem, automatically took over as president until the party holds its triennial delegates conference on July 26 and 27.