Buloh Kasap assemblyman Zahari Sarip sworn in as Johor Speaker

In Johor, Datuk Zahari Sarip, an assemblyman from Buloh Kasap, was sworn in as the new Speaker of the Legislative Assembly on today. The 59-year-old, who served as a former state executive councillor, was nominated by Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi during the inaugural meeting of the 16th Johor Assembly. Onn Hafiz's endorsement was seconded by Bukit Permai assemblyman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor.

Zahari, who doubles as the chief of Segamat Umno division, expressed his gratitude to Onn Hafiz for the trust bestowed upon him, vowing to uphold his duties with unwavering commitment. He also acknowledged the contributions of Puad and former deputy speaker Datuk Samsolbari Jamali to the assembly.

Zahari maintained his seat in the Buloh Kasap constituency during the July 11 Johor election. He received 14,054 votes, outpacing Pakatan Harapan's Rozy Razit, who garnered 5,454 votes. Zahari's victory was by a margin of 8,600 votes. His appointment follows a two-month gap since Puad stepped down from the Umno party on June 25. Following the state election, Barisan Nasional safeguarded its control over Johor, securing 48 out of the 56 seats, thereby bolstering its mandate to govern the state.