KOTA KINABALU, Jan 12 (Bernama) — Former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Tun Said Keruak was today appointed speaker of the Sabah Legislative Assembly.

Salleh, who is Sabah Umno Liaison Committee deputy chairman, takes over as the eighth speaker of the assembly from Datuk Juhar Mahiruddin who was appointed Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri effective Jan 1.

The appointment of Salleh as the state assembly speaker was announced by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman after he had chaired a meeting of the state cabinet.

Musa said Salleh would assume the post on Jan 17, and that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had been informed about the appointment.

Salleh, who holds the post of science advisor to the chief minister with ministerial status, was born on 7 July 1957 in Kota Belud.