Zaliha said she was aware that people were expecting good governance and service from the government, and pledged that she would do what was right and best for the people.

“I am open to working with anyone and to hear any suggestions or thoughts that add value to health reforms,” she told FMT.

Netizens had questioned why Dzulkefly was omitted from the Cabinet while Tengku Zafrul Aziz, whom he had defeated in the Kuala Selangor seat, was made a minister.

On Saturday, the Amanah leader said he had no qualms about not being in the Cabinet, adding that he and Khairy would support Zaliha as she took on the post.

Meanwhile, after clocking in at the health ministry this morning, Zaliha said she would focus on improving policies and health services for women and children, according to Bernama.

Zaliha, the nation’s first woman health minister, said women NGOs and doctors had started calling her since she was appointed, and that it would be a challenging yet exciting task for her.