Former Umno rep is new Perak state assembly speaker
Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid takes over from DAP’s Ngeh Koo Ham who resigned from the post after Perikatan Nasional wrested the state government in March.
PETALING JAYA: Umno’s former Kamunting assemblyman Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid has been appointed as the new Perak state assembly speaker.
He was sworn in during the Perak state assembly sitting today after 35 of the state’s 59 assemblymen backed the motion by Perak Menteri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu to nominate him.
DAP’s Beruas assemblyman Ngeh Koo Ham, who was appointed as speaker during the Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration, had earlier resigned.
“He has experience in the state assembly, is a former Perak exco and is a practitioner of law,” said Faizal in proposing Zahir’s nomination.
Zahir’s election came amid a war of words between government and opposition assemblymen on the matter.
Meanwhile, Kubu Gajah assemblyman Khalil Yahaya was appointed deputy speaker, replacing Aminuddin Zulkapli.
The PH administration in Perak fell on March 9 following the defection of seven assemblymen who pledged to support a Perikatan Nasional government, now with 35 seats.
Zahir, who began his career as an assistant director at the international trade and industry ministry, was elected as Kamunting assemblyman in 2008 and served two terms.
Prior to the 14th general election, he served as the Perak state executive councillor for industry, investment and corridor development.
At a press conference, Zahir said he was not the speaker for Perikatan Nasional, but for Perak, and would strive to be fair to all assemblymen.
“I want to thank the outgoing speaker and deputy speaker for doing a good job.”
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