JOHOR BARU: The Johor government congratulated Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein on their appointments as Deputy Prime Minister and Senior Minister (Security), respectively.

       Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad said the appointment of Ismail Sabri as the Deputy Prime Minister and Hishammuddin as a Senior Minister can help the government in dealing with the present Covid-19 situation.

       “Both of them are Umno leaders and I am sure they can do well in their new roles.

       “I am confident that Ismail Sabri and Hishammuddin can do well to help the government’s efforts to combat Covid-19 as well as tackle the current economic situation,” he added.

       Hasni, who is also Johor Umno chief, said this when met after handing over ventilator machines at Sultanah Aminah Hospital here on Wednesday (July 7).

       However, he did not comment further on the appointments.

       Earlier, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob had been appointed as Deputy Prime Minister.

       The statement also said Ismail Sabri will continue to hold the Defence Minister post.

       “The appointment (of Ismail Sabri) will assist the Prime Minister in managing the country and will help fulfil the people’s needs at a time where the country is facing economic and health crises,” said in a statement.

       The PMO also announced the appointment of Hishammuddin as Senior Minister (Security).

       “As senior minister, Hishammuddin will lead the security cluster, which prior to this was led by Ismail Sabri.

       “The Prime Minister has also agreed for Hishammuddin to assist him in the implementation of the National Recovery Plan,” said the PMO.

       The Yang di-Pertuan Agong has been informed of the two appointments, which take effect immediately.