Tengku Putera is Terengganu Speaker

NST Online Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said (right) and Seberang Takir assemblyman Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman help state assembly Speaker Datuk Tengku Putera Tengku Awang with the ceremonial robe at the state legislative assembly yesterday.

KUALA TERENGGANU: Former Hulu Terengganu member of parliament Datuk Tengku Putera Tengku Awang was yesterday sworn in as the state assembly Speaker, ending weeks of speculation.

Also sworn in during the 9.30am ceremony were the 32 assemblymen including former menteri besars Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh (BN-Jertih) and Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang (Pas-Rhu Rendang).

Tengku Putera, who succeeds Datuk Che Mat Jusoh, was nominated by Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said and seconded by Seberang Takir assemblyman Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman.

In his opening speech, Tengku Putera said his new position and that of the assemblymen, constituted a mandate by the people.

He said those in the assembly should strive to use the sessions for the rakyat's benefit.
He added that the current assembly was fortunate to have not only two former menteri besars, but also individuals from different backgrounds.

"Such a combination will benefit Terengganu.

"I hope assemblymen obey the rules of the dewan as well as discuss and act in a rational manner.

"I will not hesitate to use my power to ensure smooth proceedings," he said.

The only minor disruption in proceedings occurred when Dr Syed Azman Syed Ahmad Nawawi (Pas-Batu Buruk) presented a motion for clarification as to why a majority of questions from opposition members had been rejected.

Tengku Putera, however, asked Dr Syed Azman to raise the motion again tomorrow after adjourning the sitting for a short while.

Later, outside the dewan, the soft-spoken Tengku Putera said he was grateful to those who had nominated and supported him for this post.

"I'm going to ensure assembly members stick to the given time to allow all to speak.

"I hope the assemblymen do not use up the time of others. They should get straight to the point.

"I know all of them and I hope they can control their emotions," he said, adding that his experience in the political arena will make his job easier.

Abdul Hadi, meanwhile, said he expects the quality of the debates to be better, taking into account the old and new faces as well as their backgrounds in different fields.