Subang Jaya assembly member Hannah Yeoh has busted another glass ceiling for Malaysian women, becoming the youngest and the first woman to be appointed as the Speaker for the Selangor State Legislative Assembly. Speaking to The Malaysian Insider, Yeoh said: "This is a recognition not only to women, but also to the youth leadership." She said she felt honoured to do the job when the state legislative assembly convenes. "I thank everyone who had voted for me and I give my assurance to give all assemblymen room to debate issues that concern the people." Yeoh, 35, was sworn in as Speaker this morning while, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, 31, who is the Seri Setia assemblyman, was appointed as deputy state Speaker. The duo were installed at the start of the assembly this morning. Yeoh represents the Democratic Action Party which emerged as the strongest opposition campaign in the country having won a majority of Chinese votes in the 13th general election while Nik Nazmi is from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR). Yeoh was re-elected as Subang Jaya state assembly member after defeating her MCA contender Gan Meng Foo in the recent polls. She said the people believed in them and had put them there. So they must use this opportunity to serve the people. "I would also like to thank the previous speaker, Teng Chang Khim for his guidance in the last few weeks," said Yeoh. "Teng also gave me wise words which I will always bear in mind. He told me 'never be afraid to do the right thing and to say no when necessary'." She said that in the first sitting of the assembly, the main task would be the formation of the Select Committee on Competency, Accountability and Transparency. - June 21, 2013.