IPOH: Slim assemblyman Mohd Zaidi Aziz has tested positive for Covid-19.

       The 43-year-old was among three representatives who were not present during the opening of the Perak state assembly sitting on Wednesday (Aug 25).

       “I tested positive on Aug 22 and am now in home quarantine.

       “I am supposed to complete my quarantine by Aug 31,” he said when contacted.

       According to a source, the other two are Dr Ko Chung Sen (Kepayang) and Muhammad Arafat Varisai Muhamad (Hulu Kinta).

       “Dr Ko is currently undergoing quarantine as he has been identified as a close contact of a Covid-19 patient,” the source said.

       On Aug 23, state Speaker Datuk Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid said the decision not to allow the three assemblymen to attend the four-day sitting was based on the recommendation of the state Health Department, as well as the National Security Council.

       Mohammad Zahir also said one of the three has yet to be vaccinated.

       The Perak sitting is being conducted in a “bubble concept” with the consent of Sultan Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, whereby Mohammad Zahir and 39 assemblymen would be placed in the main hall while the remaining assemblymen would be placed in four additional rooms.

       When contacted, a spokesman from Muhammad Arafat's office said the PKR representative has been fully vaccinated.

       “It’s not that he is unvaccinated, it’s just that it is still less than 14 days after his second dose," the spokesman said.