BERSATU deputy president Ahmad Faizal Azumu has been appointed as a special adviser to Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin with ministerial rank, according to the prime minister’s office.

In a statement, it said the former Perak menteri besar will advise the prime minister on matters relating to community affairs and socio-economic development.

The Tambun MP will be Muhyiddin’s second special adviser, after Dr Jemilah Mahmood, who is the prime minister’s special adviser on public health.

Bersatu supreme council member Muhammad Faiz Na’amman told The Malaysian Insight that the decision was made at a meeting last night.

He said it would help strengthen ties between the federal government and the community, especially those in the rural areas.

Ahmad Faizal’s confirmation comes after a poster of his appointment made the rounds on social media earlier today.

Ahmad Faizal’s appointment would be the third appointment of Muhyiddin’s administration since it took over last year.

Bintulu MP Tiong King Sing was made special envoy to China and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, is the special envoy to the Middle East.

Faizal lost his position as Perak Menteri Besar after he was defeated in a confidence vote in December last year and was replaced by Perak Umno chief Saarani Mohamad. – August 5, 2021.