By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, Sept 19 ― Selangor Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman and Hulu Kelang assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali has been named state opposition leader.
Newly elected Selangor State Legislative Assembly Speaker Lau Weng San made the announcement during the first sitting of the state assembly today.
Lau confirmed the former Selangor Menteri Besar was the sole candidate submitted by PN in a September 15 letter.
“The state assembly received a letter from Selangor PN on September 15, 2023, to name its opposition leader.
“I’m announcing Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali as the opposition leader. I hope he can carry out his responsibility well,” he said here today.
Previously, former speaker Ng Sue Lim proposed Azmin take over the post due to his vast experience in politics.
The suggestion was made after Azmin recommended Sijangkang assemblyman Datuk Ahmad Yunus Hairi as opposition leader during the previous sitting in March, prior to the dissolution of the state assembly in June.
Formerly, Barisan Nasional’s Sungai Air Tawar assemblyman Datuk Rizam Ismail served as opposition leader. He is now state executive councillor for rural development and unity.
In his address to the house, Lau said he hopes the new Deputy Speaker Mohd Kamri Kamaruddin, the opposition leader, and all representatives who took their oaths of office today will perform their duties diligently.
“I assure you I will be fair to all of you regardless of political ideology.
“And I will also ensure everyone gets their time to debate in the state assembly so the house can be used as a platform to voice out issues in the state,” he said.
In the state election, Pakatan Harapan won 32 seats while its ally Barisan Nasional captured two others. PN, comprising Bersatu and PAS, won the remaining 22 seats.
In a press conference after the conclusion of today’s sitting, Azmin announced Selangor PN’s portfolio holders, who will serve as a shadow executive council to the state administration.
They are:
— Finance, Economy, Land and Natural Resource: Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali (Hulu Kelang)
— Education and Human Resources: Datuk Dr Halim Tamuri (Paya Jaras)
— Local Government, Housing and Infrastructure: Datuk Seri Jamil Salleh (Dengkil)
— Health, Environment and Climate Change: Dr Afif Bahardin (Taman Medan)
— Science, Technology, Innovation, Communications and Digital Industry: Muhammad Muhaimin Harith Abdullah Sani (Batang Kali)
— Youth and Sports: Muhammad Hilman Idham (Gombak Setia)
— Islamic Affairs and Rural Development: Nushi Mahfodz (Semenyih)
— Women, Family, Welfare and Unity: Nurul Syazwani Noh (Permatang)
— Agriculture and Agro-food Industry: Sallehen Mukhyi (Sabak)
— Tourism and Malay Heritage Culture: Datuk Noorazley Yahya (Bukit Melawati)
