Teng named S'gor assembly speaker

Former state opposition leader Teng Chang Khim has been picked as Selangor state assembly speaker, making him the first non-Malay to hold the post.

Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim made the announcement today, confirming earlier speculations that Teng would be named assembly speaker after he was overlooked in the 11-member state cabinet.

The Pakatan Rakyat-led government also created history by naming a woman as the deputy speaker. That honour went to Taman Medan state representative Haniza Takha.

A first-time state assemblyperson, Haniza is the Wanita PKR vice-chief and Selangor Wanita PKR head.

Khalid told reporters that the appointment of the two was a historic moment in Malaysian politics and added that they were the best candidates for the posts.

The MB said he believed the state assembly proceedings would be conducted in a professional manner and the people would get adequate information on the discussions on state laws and policies.

All Selangor state representatives would be sworn in tomorrow and the first sitting of the state assembly is scheduled to take place on Tuesday.

Teng (right), who is DAP state assemblyperson for Sungai Pinang, has previously served as Selangor opposition leader.

He was said to be unhappy after being left out of the Selangor's executive council line-up when first-time DAP assemblypersons - Teresa Kok, Ronnie Liu and Ean Yong Hian Wah - were picked to fill the three DAP exco slots.

'Will be fair to all'

In an immediate reaction, Teng thanked the Pakatan Rakyat leadership for the trust placed in him, and said he would give up his law practice as required by the state constitution after his appointment as the speaker.

He also refused to comment if he was happy with this appointment, widely seen as a compromise appointment after he was previously linked with the deputy menteri besar post and as an executive councillor. Teng said he preferred not to talk of the past.

Teng also assured that he would be fair to all assemblypersons.

"Previously, we (then in the opposition) had been accusing Barisan Nasional (BN) speakers of being unfair in the assembly. We cannot do the same thing now. We do it differently. They (assemblymen) can be assured that they will be treated fairly," he said.

Teng said the new Pakatan Rakyat government had to set a good example of administering a state and conducting state assembly proceeedings.

The other appointee, Haniza said her nomination was an honour to women.

"I will do my best as the deputy speaker and ensure quality debates. There are many ways to improve debates, not just rhetoric but addressing the real issues," she said.

Ex-Gerakan leader is Pakatan's pick

Meanwhile, ex-Gerakan deputy secretary-general Lee Kah Choon, who had quit active politics three weeks ago, has been tapped as a director in both the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and InvestPenang.

Malaysiakini Chinese edition has on Thursday reported that Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was likely to pick the former Gerakan leader to sit on the two boards to beef up the state administration.

PDC functions as the state government's investment arm and among its tasks is to plan and implement development projects, while InvestPenang is an agency to woo investors to the island state.

The PDC board is traditionally headed by the chief minister and other members include Penang two deputy CMs - Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin and Dr P Ramasamy.

In a one-page letter sent to the party late last month, Lee resigned as Jelutong division chairman, Penang Gerakan assistant secretary, state working committee member, central committee member and central working committee member.