SEREMBAN: State Parti Amanah Negara chief Datuk MK Ibrahim Abdul Rahman has been elected as the Speaker of the Negeri Sembilan legislative assembly.
The 67-year-old MK Ibrahim was proposed by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun before the swearing-in of 34 assemblymen this morning (Sept 26) and seconded by senior executive councillor and Pertang assemblyman Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias.
Rantau assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Chennah assemblyman Anthony Loke Siew Fook were absent.
MK Ibrahim received his primary education at the West Hill School and secondary education at Raffles Institution in Singapore before moving to St David's High School in Melaka and then to the Malay College in Kuala Kangsar.
He received his tertiary education at University College of Swansea in Wales.
MK Ibrahim had also served as state PAS commissioner from 1999-2001 and was a candidate for the Ampangan seat in 1999.
He has been state Amanah chief since 2019.
In the last state government, the Speaker was Amanah's Datuk Zulkefly Mohamed Omar and the Speaker need not necessarily be an assemblyman.
State legislative assembly secretary Mohd Amin Ludin earlier told the assembly that he had initially received two nominations for the post.
However, one had to be rejected as it did not fulfil the criteria for selection.
He then told the assembly that the state government has also decided against filling up the post of Deputy Speaker.
"I received a notice from the state administration that they wished to do away with the Deputy Speaker’s post.
"At the same time, the Opposition had also proposed a candidate but they were unable to provide a letter from the candidate himself that he would accept the position if elected as required under the state law.
"So, the election of the Deputy Speaker is deferred for now," he said.
In the previous administration, the post was held by Datuk M. Ravi who was then Sri Tanjung assemblyman.
In his speech, MK Ibrahim thanked the assemblymen for having faith in him.
"I am humbled by this appointment and I will do my best to ensure the proceedings are carried out according to set procedures and the mandate given to me," he said.
MK Ibrahim, on behalf of the assembly, thanked his predecessor Zulkelfy for carrying out his duties well.
He then told the house that Mohamad, who is also Defence Minister and Loke, who is Transport Minister, were unable to attend the ceremony due to official commitments.
