JOHOR BARU — Bukit Kepong assemblyman Dr Sahruddin Jamal was sworn in as the 17th chief minister of Johor at Istana Bukit Serene here on Sunday (April 14).

Dr Sahruddin, 43, is a first-term assemblyman and was Johor Health, Environment and Agriculture Committee chairman.

The Bersatu politician took his oath of office before Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar at Istana Bukir Serene in Johor Baru on Sunday morning.

He replaces party colleague Osman Sapian.

Born on May 26, 1975, the Johor Pakatan Harapan (PH) secretary holds an MBBS degree from Universiti Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia.

Before entering politics, he operated Klinik Dr Sahruddin, in Bukit Pasir, Pagoh.

His wife, Nila Armila Mukdan is also a doctor, and they have three daughters.

In the last general election, Dr Sahruddin defeated Barisan Nasional candidate Mohd Noor Taib by 1,273 votes to win Bukit Kepong.

Speculation became rife that he was to be the next chief minister of Johor when he represented Osman at the Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat in Putrajaya on April 9, a day after the former chief minister had a meeting with Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

Dr Mahathir announced Osman’s resignation as chief minister of Johor the next day on April 9.

PH has 39 seats in the state assembly while BN has 16 and PAS one. THE MALAYSIAN INSIGHT