KUANTAN: The Pahang State Assembly – for the first time ever – has appointed five additional state assemblymen.
They are Maahad Tahfiz Tengku Ampuan Afzan Pekan founder Datuk Ahmad Irshad Abdullah Al-Qardi, Temerloh MCA chief Datuk Wong Tat Chee, Jerantut Umno chief Haris Salleh Hamzah, Pahang Amanah chairman Mohd Fadzli Mohd Ramly and state PKR deputy chairman Rizal Jamin.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the appointed assemblymen were selected based on their family background, education, experience, career achievements, and commitment to serving the community.
"In addition, these appointments are based on a number of considerations, including the expansion of the state government's services to the people, especially in this challenging political and socio-economic situation," he said when proposing the appointment of the assemblymen during the state assembly sitting on Monday (May 13).
The proposal was passed with support from seven assemblymen and approved with a simple majority.
In November 2020, the Pahang state assembly passed an amendment to increase the number of state assemblymen from 42 to a maximum of 47 without going through the election process.
The amendment allows the appointed assemblyman to vote as well as participate in debates and committees.
However, appointed assemblymen cannot become mentri besar or be part of the state executive council.
Meanwhile, Pahang Speaker Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin said the appointed assemblymen would serve until the end of the current term.
"They will be sworn in at the next state assembly sitting in August. The appointed assemblymen can vote and participate in debates," he said in a press conference.
