GEORGE TOWN: The state assembly has unanimously nominated a new face to be a Dewan Negara senator.
Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur president and vice-chancellor (IUKL) Datuk Seri Prof Dr Noor Inayah Ya’akub was nominated to replace PKR Penang information chief Amir Md Ghazali.
Penang-born Noor Inayah, 57, received her early education at Sekolah Kebangsaan Methodist, Nibong Tebal, and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Al-Irsyad, Penang, before pursuing law at the International Islamic University Malaysia.
She later obtained a Master of Laws from the University of Bristol, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy in Law from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom.
Throughout her career, she has held several senior positions, including president and vice-chancellor of Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur, vice-chancellor and chief executive officer of the International University of the Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan and law professor at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
Her expertise in law, governance, Islamic finance and syariah has led to appointments in various institutions, including Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd, Amanah Raya Bhd and Yayasan Wakaf Malaysia.
She has also served as a syariah adviser to several national financial institutions.
At the state level, Noor Inayah is the only woman serving on the Penang State Fatwa Committee and has been involved in the Penang Islamic Education Foundation, Penang Halal International and other Islamic community development bodies.
She also made history as the first female nazir of a mosque institution in Selangor.
Meanwhile, Dr Lingeshwaran R. Arunasalam, 39, was reappointed as a Dewan Negara senator for a second term.
He previously served as director of Sungai Bakap Hospital before being appointed a senator for a first term in 2023.
During his tenure, Lingeshwaran advocated public health, medical personnel welfare, education and state development, while representing Malaysia in regional forums such as the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum.
He has served as deputy chairman of the Penang Hindu Endowment Board and the Penang Tamil Schools Committee since 2023.
He holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, obtained in 2011, a Master of Laws in Health and Medical Law from Taylor’s University in 2018, and a Master of Health Management and Leadership from the University of New South Wales in Australia in 2022.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow described the nominations as involving individuals of integrity, experience and expertise, capable of advancing Penang’s interests at the federal level.
“Their appointments ensure that Penang continues to be represented by progressive and credible figures who can contribute meaningfully to national policymaking,” he said.
Chow said their appointments would help bring Penang to greater heights.
The motion was moved by Chow and seconded by Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, and was unanimously passed by the state assembly.
Both senators will serve for three years.
