KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): Nine women have been appointed as members of the new Cabinet under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

       Ismail Sabri, when announcing his cabinet line-up Friday (Aug 27), said five were appointed as ministers, namely Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun (Women, Family and Community Development Minister); Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad (Higher Education Minister); Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri (Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister) and Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique (National Unity Minister).

       Former housing and local government minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin has a new portfolio as Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister.

       Those appointed as deputy ministers are Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff for the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry; Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib (Prime Minister's Department in charge of Sabah and Sarawak Affairs); Datuk Mastura Mohd Yazid (Prime Minister's Department – Special Functions).

       Meanwhile, former deputy entrepreneur development and cooperatives minister Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsuddin is now Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law). – Bernama