Buloh Kasap rep Zahari Sarip sworn in as Johor state assembly Speaker

ISkandar Puteri, on August 27, saw the swearing-in of Buloh Kasap assemblyman Datuk Zahari Sarip as the Johor state assembly Speaker. The 59-year-old individual, who served as the previous chairman of the Johor Agriculture, Agro-Based Industry and Rural Development Committee, was initially recommended by Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi during today's Johor state assembly meeting.

The proposal gained support from Bukit Permai assemblyman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor. Zahari will succeed Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi, who held the Speaker position since the prior Johor state election in 2022. Mohd Puad, who has a disagreement with the state Umno leadership, declared his departure from the party on June 25. Expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him by the menteri besar, Zahari pledged to fulfill his duties with full responsibility and dedication.

As a Barisan Nasional (BN) representative, Zahari successfully defended his Buloh Kasap state seat during the recent Johor state election, garnering 14,054 votes against his opponent Rozy Razit from Pakatan Harapan (PH), who received 5,454 votes. In the July 11 state election, BN retained its majority in Johor by winning 48 out of 56 state seats.