IPOH: It is hoped that incoming Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu will help the development of sports in Perak, says state Speaker Datuk Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid (pic).

       Mohammad Zahir said this when delivering the congratulations of the Perak state legislative assembly to the Chenderiang assemblyman.

       “We also hope that his appointment would enhance the role of the youths in the state,” he said on Monday (Aug 30) before the start of the last day of the assembly's sitting.

       Ahmad Faisal, who is also the Tambun MP and former Perak mentri besar - will be sworn in as the minister on Monday.

       Mohammad Zahir also praised all Perak assemblymen for following all required standard operating procedures (SOPs) via the bubble concept.

       “All of you have cooperated really well; after a re-evaluation by the state Health Department and the National Safety Council, all assemblymen are now allowed to be inside the main chamber during proceedings,” said Mohammad Zahir.

       “But I hope all of you (assemblymen) will continue to adhere to all the SOPs, and all the doors will be opened for better ventilation,” he added.

       Mohammad Zahir also announced that the state assembly hall would be upgraded once the current sitting is over.

       On Aug 12, Mohammad Zahir had said that in accordance with the SOPs, the main chamber could only accommodate the state Speaker and 39 assemblymen.

       He had said that the remaining 20 state assemblymen would be placed in four additional rooms.