PKR's Johari Abdul replaces sacked Phahrolrazi as Kedah opposition chief

ALOR STAR: PKR's Gurun assemblyman, Datuk Johari Abdul, has been appointed as the new state Legislative Assembly's Opposition leader today, replacing Alor Mengkudu assemblyman Datuk Phahrolrazi Mohd Zawawi.

His appointment was decided by 10 Opposition assemblymen in a meeting held during the lunch break of the state assembly's sitting in Wisma Darul Aman here.

"All the 10 opposition assemblymen who attended the meeting unanimously decided to make way for me to be the new Opposition leader to replace Phahrolrazi.

"I will give my best to ensure that we will continue playing our role as a constructive opposition for the benefit of the state," he told reporters after the meeting.

Johari, 67, thanked Phahrolrazi for his services and contributions as the state Opposition leader since May 2020.

"I will inform the state Legislative Assembly speaker on the decision when the sitting resumes its afternoon session," he said.

Yesterday, Parti Amanah Negara secretary-general, Datuk Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli, announced that the party had sacked Phahrolrazi from the party effective immediately for violating the party's constitution.

Hatta was quoted as saying that the party's central committee had decided to revoke Phahrolrazi's membership for violating the party's constitution, disobeying decisions and taking actions against the party's interest.

He also announced that Kedah Amanah deputy chairman, Datuk Dr Ismail Salleh, would take on the responsibility and duties effective immediately.

In a separate statement, Amanah communications director Khalid Abd Samad said Phahrolrazi was sacked from the party for allegedly inciting state leaders and members to boycott the 15th General Election (GE15).

Phahrolrazi was accused of going against Pakatan Harapan's (PH) decision to nominate a DAP candidate for the Jerai parliamentary seat.

In his defence, Phahrolrazi said he had objected the decision as it would compromise Amanah's position in the four parliamentary seats it was contesting in Kedah.