KANGAR: Perlis Perikatan Nasional deputy chairman II Russele Eizan was sworn in as Perlis state legislative assembly speaker today.
The former Simpang Empat assemblyman replaces Datuk Hamdan Bahari, who had served since 2013.
Russele's candidacy was put forward by Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli at the swearing-in ceremony during the first session of the 15th Perlis state assembly here.
Shukri, who is Sanglang assemblyman, nominated one candidate for the post, and Russele's candidacy was supported by Santan assemblyman Mohammad Azmir Azizan.
Upon being appointed speaker and donning the official attire, Russele expressed his gratitude to Shukri for appointing him as speaker and pledged to fulfil his responsibilities with sincerity and dedication.
"I will ensure that the assembly session is conducted properly to ensure the development of the people and the state.
"We do not want differences in opinions among the representatives to become an obstacle to the state's development."
The swearing-in ceremony made history as 14 PN assemblymen were sworn in after winning in the 15th General Election (GE15) last month.
This is the first time that the coalition is leading the state assembly after wresting Perlis from Barisan Nasional, which had ruled the state for 65 years.
Twelve of the representatives are new, except for Shukri and Guar Sanji assemblyman Ridzuan Hashim.
The 12 new faces are Izizam Ibrahim (Titi Tinggi), Haziq Asyraf Dun (Beseri), Saad Seman (Chuping), Wan Badariah Wan Saad (Mata Ayer), Mohammad Azmir Azizan (Santan), Fakhrul Anwar Ismail (Bintong) and Datin Marzita Mansor (Sena).
Other assemblymen are Abu Bakar Hamzah (Kuala Perlis), Asrul Aimran Abdul Jalil (Kayang), Megat Hashirat Hassan (Pauh), Wan Zikri Afthar Ishak (Tambun Tulang) and Razali Saad (Simpang Empat).
The opposition is represented by Indera Kahyangan assemblyman Gan Ay Ling of Pakatan Harapan.
Two former opposition representatives Asrul Nizan Abd Jalil (Sena) and Nor Azam Karap (Kuala Perlis) lost their seats in GE15.
Gan, who is Perlis PKR deputy chairman, said she would continue to raise the people's voice, even if she had to do it alone.
"Although the state and federal administrations are different, what is important is that I will act as checks and balances to the state government to ensure that the state's and people's agendas can be continued and serve as a link with the federal government."
The first session will run until Thursday to present the state budget.