PETALING JAYA: Youths will play an important role as the economy recovers, says newly-minted Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.

       Ahmad Faizal, who has pledged to empower Malaysian youths in his new role, said the ministry has an important role to strengthen the "Keluarga Malaysia" concept introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

       "I'm confident that in such challenging times, the dedication and drive of youths will be an important catalyst for us to rise again.

       "Understanding the Prime Minister's aspiration to have the newly formed Cabinet to carry out its duties effectively, I have placed myself in a ready mode and will abide by instructions given by him (Ismail Sabri) from time to time," he added.

       At the same time, Ahmad Faizal also thanked the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for consenting to his appointment as Youth and Sports Minister.

       "I would also like to thank the Prime Minister for allowing me to serve through the Youth and Sports Ministry.

       "I'm honoured to be given an opportunity to be under the service of Malaysian youths."

       Ahmad Faizal also said he is grateful that he is now given an opportunity to use sports as a catalyst to foster unity among Malaysians and to make the country famous again in the world.

       Ismail Sabri announced his Cabinet line-up, which was aired live on local television channels on Friday (Aug 27).

       There are 31 ministers and 38 deputies in Ismail Sabri's Cabinet.