Umno’s Awaludin returns as Negeri Sembilan assembly speaker

In a recent development, Awaludin Said, a former four-term Kota assemblyman, has been appointed as the Negeri Sembilan assembly speaker, rejoining the position he held from 2013 to 2018. The Umno politician was the only candidate proposed for the role and took his oath of office before the legislature's secretary, Amin Ludin, this morning, according to Bernama.

The 66-year-old, who served as Kota assemblyman from 2004 to 2023 and did not seek a fifth term, continues to serve as the Rembau Umno deputy chief. Following the swearing-in, two-term Paroi assemblyman Kamarol Ridzuan Zain of PAS was designated as deputy speaker. The assembly comprised 36 members, with Kamarol and the other legislators formally sworn in today.

Rantau assemblyman Mohamad Hasan, who also represents Rembau in the federal parliament and serves as the country's foreign minister, was absent on official duties. Within the Negeri Sembilan state assembly, Barisan Nasional holds 18 seats, while Perikatan Nasional has seven, providing their coalition with a two-thirds majority. The opposition party, Pakatan Harapan, retains the remaining 11 seats.