Pangkor state representative Dr Zambry Abd Kadir was today sworn in at 4pm by the Sultan of Perak as the new menteri besar as tear gas choked thousands of protesters near the palace.

He replaced Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin, whose tenure had come to an end following the switch in majority in the state assembly as a result of defections of four Pakatan representatives to the BN.

The swearing-in ceremony took place in the aftermath of a clash between the police and Pakatan supporters who had earlier blocked the road leading to Istana Iskandariah, the venue for the ceremony today.

The state exco will be sworn in next Tuesday at 10am.

dr zambry abdul kadir perak mb 060209 He received his letter of appointment from the sultan and then took his oath of office. The ceremony was over by 4.15pm.

All 28 Pakatan Rakyat assemblypersons boycotted the ceremony.

Zambry, the 11th menteri besar, is a second term Pangkor assemblyperson.

According to a Bernama report Zambry started his political career as Pangkor Umno Youth chief in 1992 and went on to head Perak Umno Youth. He is now the Lumut Umno division chief.

He is credited for developing the state's Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) development during his tenure as Perak State Executive Council (Exco) member tasked with multimedia.

During his tenure as a state exco, Zambry had served as chairman of education, human resources and multimedia committee from 2004 until Sept 26, 2006.

Then in a minor reshuffle, he became the chairman of higher education, science and technology and innovation committee and wielded with more authority to further develop ICT in Perak.

Active writer

He was born in Pulau Pangkor on March 22, 1962, graduated with a Bachelor's degree in economics from International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in 1987 and four years later a Master's degree in Islamic thinking from the same university.

He has also obtained a Master's degree in political philosophy and religious comparison in 1992 and three years later a doctorate with distinction in contemporary politics from Temple University, United States.

He has also been described as an active writer who had authored several books and won several awards in writing competitions.

His books include Umno dan Jiwa Merdeka (1998), Pemuda Umno Menebus Maruah, Menuju Arah (2000) and Islam Malaysia & Amerika (2002).

He is married to Saripah Zulkifli, with five children - three girls and two boys.

Speaking to reporters after being sworn in, Zambry expressed hope that the ongoing crisis in the state can be solved as soon as possible.

He added that he would be giving priority to restoring political stability and enhancing racial relations.

"I am confident that the people of Perak are matured and I can see that they have the capability to deal with the situation," he said, according to a Bernama report.

nizar jamaludin perak mb last day bn takeover 060209 01 He said that the state administration and the people would be able to weather the political situation "irrespective of its intensity".

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by top Umno leaders including Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak in his capacity as the Perak Umno chief.