IPOH, September 10 — The Perak Legislative Assembly today approved the appointment of Perak PKR chairman Mohamad Hairul Amir Sabri as a senator after he secured 33 votes in a secret ballot.

The 38-year-old defeated Perak PAS Dewan Ulama chairman Muhammad Zulkifli Muhammad Zakaria, the Opposition coalition’s candidate, who received 26 votes.

The election was held following the expiry of former senator and Perak Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusuf Rawa’s term on May 24.

A total of 59 votes were cast by members of the Legislative Assembly.

The motion for the appointment was tabled by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and supported by Teja assemblyman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching (PKR).

Mohamad Hairul’s nomination was proposed by Ng and seconded by Lintang assemblyman Datuk Mohd Zolkfaly Haron (BN).

A Perak native, Mohamad Hairul holds a degree in Political Science from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

He currently serves as chief special officer at the Office of Tambun MP, a position held by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

His previous appointments include serving on the Perak Water Board and as a non-executive and independent committee member of Panel International Bhd.

Mohamad Hairul has also served as Perak PKR chairman since 2024.