FORMER state executive councillor Mohamad Zahir Abdul Khalid has been appointed the new Perak State Legislative Assembly speaker to replace Ngeh Koo Ham.

Zahir, 52, who holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree from the University of Leeds, began his career as assistant director in the International Trade and Industry Ministry before joining Mara Holdings as a corporate planner.

The Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate was elected Kamunting assemblyman in 2008 and later appointed exco from 2009 until 2018.

Menteri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu (Bersatu-Chenderiang) nominated Zahir as the new speaker, which was supported by Saarani Mohamah (BN-Kota Tampan) and 35 other assemblymen.

Earlier, there was chaos during the assembly sitting when Faizal proposed that Beruas MP Ngeh of DAP resign following the political situation in the state, as the Perikatan Nasional (PN) comprising Bersatu, BN and PAS reps now had the majority support in the legislature to form the government.

Zahir told reporters said he would assume the role of speaker to ensure that the state assembly sitting runs in an orderly manner.

“I am the speaker for the Perak state assembly, not speaker for PN. InsyaAllah, I will be fair and impartial,” he said.

Meanwhile, Faizal said Zahir’s appointment was made according to procedure as a notice of motion to replace the speaker had been submitted on May 4.

Currently, of the 59 state assemblymen in Perak, 25 are from BN, DAP (16), Amanah (five), Bersatu (four), PKR (3), PAS (3)  and independents (3). – Bernama, May 12, 2020.