PERAK will have a new legislative assembly speaker, the latest development in the chain of reactions following the change in federal government in early March.

Beruas MP Ngeh Koo Ham from DAP today gave a speech on good governance and rule of law to state legislators before announcing his resignation, media reported.

Ngeh said he wanted to vacate the speaker’s post in a proper manner and not “through threats”.

He was referring to an attempt to move a vote in the legislature for his resignation.

The attempt by Perak Menteri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu resulted in Perikatan Nasional’s assemblymen pressing Ngeh to step down, with opposition lawmakers shouting back.

Ngeh had refused to concede, saying he wanted to do so in the right manner.

PN, comprising Umno, Bersatu and PAS, has the majority of seats in the Perak assembly at 32, and the support of three independents.

Pakatan Harapan has 24 seats out of the assembly’s total 59 seats.

After resigning, Ngeh adjourned the meeting and left the chambers with all opposition members.

Faizal said the sitting was not deemed adjourned as no motion had been passed. 

The PN assemblymen then nominated Sg Manik rep Zainol Fadzi Paharudin as temporary speaker, and the house, minus the PH assemblymen, nominated Kamunting rep Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid as speaker.

Kubu Gajah assemblyman Khalil Yahaya was appointed deputy speaker. – May 12, 2020.