Senator Idris Jala takes oath for second term

Jala is head of the government’s efficiency unit, PEMANDU. — File pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 — Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Idris Jala was sworn in as a senator today for a second term.

He took his oath of office before Dewan Negara President Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang.

Sarawak-born Jala, 54, holds a Master’s degree in Industrial Relations from Warwick University, United Kingdom. He was made a senator in 2009.

He was managing director and chief executive officer of Malaysia Airlines for four years and was picked as the “Orient Aviation Person of the Year 2008” for turning around the then troubled national airline.

He received the “Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity” from the Italian government in 2009 for his contribution to strengthening bilateral ties.

Jala told reporters after being sworn in that leaders’ contributions must be ongoing to help boost the economy and make the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) a reality.

He said the GTP had achieved its target after it was implemented three years ago, and received positive feedback from the people. — Bernama