RENGIT state assemblyman Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi has been appointed the 15th speaker of the Johor State Assembly which sat for its first meeting of the first session today (April 21).
His name was proposed by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and seconded by Buloh Kasap Assemblyman Datuk Zahari Sarip, who is also the State Agriculture, Agro-based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman.
Calling the appointment an honour, Puad who is also Batu Pahat UMNO chief, reminded members of the State Assembly to heed Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar’s reminder to not mar the State Assembly proceedings with bad behaviour and turn it into a ‘monkey cage’.
His Majesty’s said this in his opening speech at the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 14th State Assembly in August last year.
“This august house is a place for us to discuss and make decisions for the benefit of the people and the state of Johor. Do not mar this august House with bad manners – it is not a monkey cage,” Puad said after taking his oath.
“Therefore, honourable members, let us discuss critically but constructively.”
In the Johor state election last month, Puad won the Rengit seat with a majority of 1,930 votes, defeating Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) candidate Nizam Bashir Abdul Kariem Bashir and former Senggarang assemblyman Khairuddin Abdul Rahim from PKR. – April 21, 2022
