FORTY newly-elected Penang assemblymen took their oath of office before State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang at the State Legislative Assembly building here today.
The swearing-in ceremony was led by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who is the Padang Kota assemblyman.
The first meeting of the first session of the 15th State Legislative Assembly started at 9.30am today.
Prior to the swearing-in ceremony for the state assemblymen, Chow nominated Law as the state unity government’s choice for Speaker. The proposal was seconded by Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid (PH-Batu Maung). The Opposition did not nominate anyone for the post.
After taking his oath of office, Law donned the Speaker’s robe and presided over the swearing-in ceremony of the 40 state assemblymen.
Azrul Mahathir Aziz (PH-Bayan Lepas) was nominated as the State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker by Chow and it was seconded by Dr Mohamad.
The Order of Business followed by the Suspension of the Standing Orders of the Assembly under Order 118 (1) of the Standing Orders Of The Legislative Assembly Penang, and the deferment of the Penang Governor’s messages under Order 15 (1)(d).
Law advised the state assemblymen to understand and appreciate the Standing Orders Of The Legislative Assembly Penang and debate professionally when the Penang Legislative Assembly is in session.
“Debate professionally and make it impactful to benefit the people who have given you the mandate,” Law said.
Those in the August House also observed a moment of silence to honour the late Ong Hock Aun. Ong was the former Air Itam assemblyman from 1990 to 1995.
Law thanked the elected representatives for their cooperation throughout the assembly and the meeting was adjourned sine-die.
Later, at a press conference, Chow said allocation for the assemblymen and the Opposition representatives would continue as usual.
Story by Christopher Tan and Riadz Akmal
Pix by Law Suun Ting, Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar and Ahmad Adil Muhamad