Threats to public security in the form of racial issues and the circulation of fake news, are among the challenges which Hamzah Zainudin (above) needs to tackle as home minister in the new federal government.

Defence analyst and security consultant Muhammad Fuad Mat Noor said Hamzah’s experience in heading the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism in 2015 will, in some ways, help him carry out his duties as home minister.

“He used to lead an enforcement agency and it isn’t that different. Only this time, he faces the challenge of maintaining harmony among the people," Muhammad Fuad said when contacted, adding he was confident that Hamzah could bring about change by heading the portfolio.

Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia geostrategist Prof Azmi Hassan views Hamzah’s appointment as spot-on, thanks to his vast experience in handling an enforcement agency.

According to Azmi, among the problems which need attention are issues involving illegal immigrants in the country, including those who enter as tourists but do not depart from the country and instead, overstay.

Hamzah, 63, who has been the Larut Member of Parliament since 2008, previously held several posts in the federal government, including deputy foreign affairs minister from 2013 to 2015.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday announced his cabinet of 31 ministers at a special press conference in Perdana Putra, Putrajaya.

Hamzah will be assisted by two deputies - the MP for Kuala Krau in Pahang, Ismail Mohamed Said, and MP for Ranau in Sabah, Jonathan Yassin.

- Bernama