Datuk Zahari Sarip was sworn in as Speaker of the 16th Johor State Legislative Assembly during its first meeting at the Sultan Ismail Building, Kota Iskandar on August 27, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. He succeeds Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi, who served as Speaker from April 2022 until the dissolution of the 15th Assembly in early June 2026 [2, 3, 4]. Zahari, aged 59, is the Buloh Kasap assemblyman and has represented the constituency since 2018 [2, 3, 4]. He retained his seat in the July 11, 2026 state election, securing 14,054 votes against Pakatan Harapan's Noraziah Mohd Razit, winning by a majority of 8,600 votes [2, 5, 3].
His nomination for Speaker was put forward by Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and seconded by Bukit Permai assemblyman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor [2, 5, 3, 4]. Zahari previously chaired the Johor State Agriculture, Agro-Based Industry and Rural Development Committee [2, 3, 4]. Upon his appointment, Zahari said, "This appointment is a great honour and trust. I will carry out the responsibility entrusted to me to the best of my ability, in accordance with the oath I took earlier" [1, 2, 4]. He also affirmed, "I swear and affirm that I will preserve, protect and defend the State Constitution" [1].
During the same assembly session, Semarang assemblyman Datuk Samsolbari Jamali, aged 66, was reappointed Deputy Speaker without any other nominations, proposed by Onn Hafiz [2, 3]. Barisan Nasional won a strong mandate in the July 11 election, capturing 48 of the 56 Johor State Assembly seats, with Pakatan Harapan taking 8 [1, 5, 4]. Zahari's predecessor as Speaker, Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi, formally left Umno on June 25, 2026, before Zahari's appointment [5, 4].
The 16th State Legislative Assembly now convenes under Zahari Sarip's leadership. The next scheduled sitting or legislative agenda has not been disclosed.
