BUKIT Kepong assemblyman  Dr Sahruddin Jamal was sworn in as the 17th Menteri Besar of Johor at  Istana Bukit Serene here today.

Dr Sahruddin, 43,  is a first-term assemblyman and was Johor Health, Environment and Agriculture Committee chairman.

The Bersatu politician took his oath of office before Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar at Istana Bukit Serene in Johor Baru this morning.

He replaces party colleague Osman Sapian.

Born on May 26, 1975, the Johor Pakatan Harapan (PH) secretary holds an MBBS degree from  Universiti Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia.

Before entering politics, he operated Klinik Dr Sahruddin, in Bukit Pasir, Pagoh.

His wife, Nila Armila Mukdan is also a doctor, and they have three daughters.

In the last general election, Dr Sahruddin defeated Barisan Nasional candidate Mohd Noor Taib by 1,273 votes to win Bukit Kepong.

Speculation became rife that he was to be the next mentrri besar of Johor when he represented Osman at the Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat in Putrajaya on April 9, a day after the former menteri besar had a meeting with Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Dr Mahathir announced Osman’s resignation as MB of Johor the next day on April 9.

PH has 39 seats in the state assembly while BN has 16 and PAS one. – April 14, 2019.