Ngeh resigns as Perak Speaker

IPOH: Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham has resigned as the Perak State Speaker.

It is learned that Ngeh made the announcement shortly in his speech after the opening address by Perak's Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah during the state assembly sitting here on Tuesday (May12).

According to sources, Ngeh said he wanted the appointment process for the new State Speaker to be done according to rule of law.

In his speech, he also called for laws to be amended for state assemblymen to resign from their positions should they party-hop or exit from their party.

Prior to ending his speech, Ngeh said he would submit his resignation letter to the state assembly secretary.

He also said that there should be a seven-day notice to name a new State Speaker before adjourning the sitting.

Earlier, a heated debate broke out between Perikatan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan assemblymen over the State Speaker position.

It is learned that Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu had requested for Ngeh to vacate the Speaker's Chair.

Ngeh refused to budge and requested all state assemblymen to maintain decorum before calming down the hall and proceeded with his speech.

Members of the press, except for official media agencies, were barred from covering the sitting.

It is also learned that Kamunting assemblyman Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid has been elected as the new State Speaker while Kubu Gajah assemblyman Khalil Yahaya would be his deputy.

Meanwhile, three more state assemblymen, from Perikatan Nasional (PN), have been appointed as state executive council members.

The assemblymen, all from Umno, are Khairul Shahril Mohamed (PN-Bota), Ahmad Saidi Mohamad Daud (PN-Changkat Jering) and Mohd Zolkafly Harun (PN-Lintang).