Honours
Honours of Malaysia
Malacca : -
Companion Class II of the Exalted Order of Malacca (DPSM) – Datuk (2020) [27] [28] [29]
-
Khaidirah Abu Zahar | |
|---|---|
| خضيرة أبو ظهر | |
| Deputy Member of the Malacca State Executive Council (Economic Planning, Finance, Land Affairs, Non-governmental Agencies, Investment, Industry, Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Development) | |
| Assumed office 6 April 2023 | |
| Governor | Mohd Ali Rustam |
| Chief Minister | Ab Rauf Yusoh |
| Member | Ab Rauf Yusoh |
| Constituency | Rim |
| Deputy Speaker of the Malacca State Legislative Assembly | |
| In office 27 December 2021 –6 April 2023 | |
| Governor | Mohd Ali Rustam |
| Chief Minister | Sulaiman Md Ali (2021–2023) Ab Rauf Yusoh (March–April 2023) |
| Speaker | Ibrahim Durum |
| Preceded by | Ghazale Muhamad |
| Succeeded by | Kerk Chee Yee |
| Constituency | Rim |
| Member of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly for Rim | |
| Assumed office 20 November 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Ghazale Muhamad (BN–UMNO) |
| Majority | 1,327 (2021) |
| Faction represented in Melaka State Legislative Assembly | |
| 2021– | Barisan Nasional |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Khaidhirah binti Abu Zahar 2 March 1984 Merlimau, Malacca, Malaysia |
| Political party | United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) |
| Other political affiliations | Barisan Nasional (BN) |
| Spouses | Tengku Shafriz-Rullah Tengku Shahid (m. 2006;div. 2010)Helmi Yusof (m. 2011;div. 2016)Syfik Izdzywan Sidek (m. 2020) |
| Relations | Abu Zahar Ithnin (father) |
| Children | 1 daughter & 1 adopted son |
| Alma mater | Universiti Teknologi MARA University of Malaya |
| Occupation |
|
| Nickname | Dira |
Datuk Khaidhirah Abu Zahar (born 2 March 1984) is a Malaysian politician, host, director and former actress who has served as Deputy Member of the Malacca State Executive Council (EXCO) in the Barisan Nasional (BN) state administration under Chief Minister and Member Ab Rauf Yusoh since April 2023 and Member of the Malacca State Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Rim since November 2021. She served as Deputy Speaker of the Malacca State Legislative Assembly from December 2021 to her appointment as a Deputy EXCO Member in April 2023. She is a member and the Division Vice Chief of Jasin of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), a component party of the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition. She is also popularly known by her screen name namely Dira.
She is the first actress to be elected as an elected representative after her win in the 2021 Malacca state election, overall the second celebrity to become a representative after the late former Senator Jins Shamsuddin. [1] [2]
She was born on 2 March 1984 in Merlimau, Malacca, the daughter of the former eighth Chief Minister of Malacca, the late Abu Zahar Ithnin. [3] Dira holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam.
Dira has been a host on the television shows Fulus Mania, Jom Ronda with Proton and Melodi. Among the dramas she has acted in include Delima, Cinta Tanpa Suara, Rona Roni Makaroni, Merah Putih, One Hundred Birthdays, Tower 13, Aki Nabalu, Arjuna, Woman, Two Kali Mencintai Mu, Crossings and Aku Bukan Dia. She once starred in the movie My Indie Rock Darling.
Dira was also involved in the theatrical performances of Compilation Vol II (Legacy) and Signs. She is also involved in writing scripts such as for the drama film Syawal Aku Dan Dia on TV Alhijrah. Dira once participated in Sehati Berdansa, a dance reality show published by Astro
She has starred in several films such as For 3 Days, Chow Kit, Kil , The Run (also known as Lari ), and Longkai. Dira co -starred with Aiman Hakim Ridza and Emma Maembong in the film Kimchi Untuk Awak directed by Michael Ang, which premiered in March 2017. [4]
Dira took the director's chair by directing the theatrical staging of Mencari Sumaiyah which began its staging at Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur from 8 to 14 August 2016. [5]
She also directed sitcom dramas for Astro Warna, 3 Dara Kg.com starring Scha Al-Yahya, Marsha Londoh and Eina Azman.
Following in the footsteps of her father, the eighth former Chief Minister of Melaka, Datuk Seri Abu Zahar Haji on Monday ventured into politics, Dira joined Puteri UMNO by serving as Exco from 2015 to 2018. Her appointment was made during the UMNO wing meeting at Menara Dato 'Onn chaired by the Chief Puteri, Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin who is also the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Culture. Also present, her Deputy, Zahida Zarik Khan; Puteri's Assistant Secretary, Fahariyah Md Nordin and the EXCO line -up
On 24 August 2013, Dira submitted the Puteri UMNO membership form to the state UMNO Liaison Committee Chairman, Datuk Idris Haron. She was quoted from Utusan Malaysia as saying: "I want to do many things for the party because I see how my mother and father struggle in the party and for their spirit I feel called to join Puteri". [6]
Dira revealed to Utusan Malaysia in June 2018 that she made an official statement regarding speculation that she was contesting for the post of UMNO Puteri Chief. [7] In an interview with Sinar Harian , Dira stated that she remained loyal to UMNO, saying that what she was doing now was business and politics and no longer acting. [8] Dira was announced as the Jasin Division UMNO Puteri Chief at the movement's delegate meeting. She won unopposed for the post for the 2018-2021 term. [9]
Dira was one of the new faces picked by the party as the BN candidate to contest the 2021 Malacca state election for the Rim seat. [10] [11] [12] She became the first artiste to successfully win an election to be a lawmaker. [13] On 27 December 2021, she was appointed as Deputy Speaker of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly along with new Speaker Ibrahim Durum by Chief Minister Sulaiman Md Ali. [14]
Dira has been married three times. She was married to musician Tengku Shafiz-Rullah Tengku Mohd Shahid (now married to Sherie Merlis) in 2006, and separated in 2010. They have a daughter named Tengku Anggun Deandra Tengku Shafiz-Rullah. Dira married the cameraman and director, Helmi Yusof on November 14, 2011, [15] and had a miscarriage in December 2013. [16] The couple filed for divorce in 2016. [17]
She has an adopted child named Waris Iskandar Andiqa after getting an application from the government. [18] [19]
Dira married for the third time with businessman Syfik Izdzywan Sidek on 21 June 2020 at the Al Azim Mosque, Melaka, at 10.30 am. [20] During the ceremony, Dira received a dowry of RM1,000 along with three delivery trays for five. [21]
She has a hobby of riding high-powered motorcycles.
In April 2012, Dira became the subject of controversy when she was allegedly involved in a fight case and was accused of having caused grievous bodily harm to a woman following a slight misunderstanding. She lodged a police report on the incident, but denied involvement in the incident. As a result, she was rested as the host of Melodi and was not even allowed to attend the promotion of her film Chow Kit. [22]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | My Indie Rock Darling | Young Lady | Debut film appearances |
| 2012 | Chow Kit | Salina | |
| Untuk 3 Hari | Balqis | ||
| Ngorat | Aishah | ||
| Pontianak vs Orang Minyak | Vampire Advisor 1 | ||
| 2013 | KIL | Salina | |
| Lari | Maya | ||
| Longkai | Rima | ||
| Kolumpo | Kuih Sister | Special appearance | |
| Papadom 2 | Sheila | ||
| 2014 | Sejoli: Misi Cantas Cinta | Lola | |
| Mana Mau Lari | Gadis Jelita | Special appearance | |
| 2016 | Bo-Peng | Hana | |
| 2017 | Kimchi Untuk Awak | Kak Long | |
| Kau Takdirku | Awek Dating 1 | Special appearance | |
| 2023 | Sayu Yang Syukur | Sherry | |
| Year | Title | Role | TV channels | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Rona Roni Makaroni | Gia | Astro Ria | |
| Kekasihku Seru | Masita | TV3 | ||
| 2009 | Merah Putih | Anggun | ||
| Tower 13 | Maria | |||
| 2010 | Arjuna | Mas Ayu | ||
| Crossings | Katie | NTV7 | ||
| 2011 | Tahajjud Cinta | Umairah | TV3 | |
| 2011–2012 | Nilapura | Widya | ||
| 2012 | Tanah Kubur (Season 4) | Yati | Astro Oasis | Episode: "Pengkid" |
| 2012–2013 | Cinta Dalam Hati | Munira | TV2 | |
| 2013 | Dahlia | Dahlia | Astro Mustika HD | |
| 2015 | Aku Bukan Dia | Amy | TV1 | |
| 2017 | 3 Dara Kg.com | — | Astro Warna | As director |
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Baik Punya Cilok |
| Year | Title | Role | TV channels | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Ponti Anak Remaja | Astro Ria | ||
| Seratus Hari Jadi | Sara | |||
| 2011 | Perempuan | TV2 | ||
| 2012 | 50:50 | TV1 | ||
| Kau Untukku | Nurul Umairah | Astro Box Office | ||
| 2013 | Karlos Bolos | Cuwie | TV3 | |
| Pasport Duniawi | TV Alhijrah | |||
| 2015 | Cinta Suci Jadi Saksi | Astro Ria | ||
| 2016 | Redha Untukmu | — | TV1 | As director |
| Year | Title | Role | TV channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Mango TV | Host | |
| 2008 | Jom Ronda bersama Proton | Host with AG | TV3 |
| 2010–2012 | Melodi | Host with Zizan Razak | |
| Year | Constituency | Candidate | Votes | Pct | Opponent(s) | Votes | Pct | Ballots cast | Majority | Turnout | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | N25 Rim | Khaidiriah Abu Zahar (UMNO) | 4,037 | 45.31% | Azalina Abdul Rahman (BERSATU) | 2,710 | 30.42% | 9,082 | 1,327 | 66.43% | ||
| Prasanth Kumar Brakasam (PKR) | 2,163 | 24.28% | ||||||||||
Malacca : 
Companion Class II of the Exalted Order of Malacca (DPSM) – Datuk (2020) [27] [28] [29] 
Mohd. Ali bin Mohd. Rustam is a Malaysian politician who has served as the 7th Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Melaka since June 2020. He served as the 9th Chief Minister of Melaka from December 1999 to May 2013, Deputy Minister of Health from November 1996 to December 1999, Deputy Minister of Transport from May 1995 to November 1996, Member of Parliament (MP) for Batu Berendam from April 1995 to November 1999, Member of the Malacca State Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Bukit Batu from March 2004 to May 2013, for Paya Rumput from November 1999 to March 2004, for Sungai Udang from October 1990 to April 1995 and for Ayer Molek from August 1986 to October 1990. He was a member of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), a component party of the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition.
Idris bin Haron is a Malaysian politician who served as the 10th Chief Minister of Melaka from May 2013 to May 2018, Member of the Melaka State Executive Council (EXCO) from March 2020 to his resignation in October 2021, Member of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Sungai Udang from May 2013 to November 2021, Deputy Minister of Higher Education from March 2008 to April 2009 and Member of Parliament (MP) for Tangga Batu from March 2004 to May 2013. Internationally, he is President of the World Assembly of Youth. He is a member of the People's Justice Party (PKR), a component party of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition. He was also member of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), a component party of Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition.
Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini binti Ahmad is a Malaysian politician who has served as Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development in the Unity Government administration under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Minister Nancy Shukri since December 2023, and the Member of Parliament (MP) for Parit Sulong since March 2008. She served as the Minister of Higher Education for the second term under the Barisan Nasional (BN) administration under former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob from August 2021 to the collapse of BN administration in November 2022 and the first term in the Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration under former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin from March 2020 to her resignation in August 2021. She is a member of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), a component party of the BN coalition. She has also served as the 10th Women Chief of UMNO since June 2018, 2nd Women Youth Chief of UMNO from 2004 to 2009 and 1st Deputy Women Youth Chief from 2001 to her promotion to Women Youth Chief in 2004. She is formerly a Chairperson of the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) from March 2023 to January 2024. She is also the first PAC Chairwoman in Malaysian history. Her appointment as a Deputy Minister in the 2023 cabinet reshuffle is a rare occurrence in Malaysian politics since she was a former federal minister in the Muhyiddin cabinet and Ismail Sabri cabinet. She is one of the three deputy ministers who were previously a federal minister alongside Shamsul Anuar Nasarah and M. Kulasegaran.
Datuk Wira Hajah Mas Ermieyati binti Samsudin is a Malaysian politician and lawyer who has served as Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) since April 2023 and as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Masjid Tanah since May 2013. She served as Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of Parliament and Law in the Barisan Nasional (BN) administration under former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and former Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar from August 2021 to the collapse of BN administration in November 2022, Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives in the Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration under former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and former Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar from March 2020 to the collapse of the PN administration in August 2021 and the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Culture in the BN administration under former Prime Minister Najib Razak and former Minister Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz from July 2015 to the collapse of the BN administration in May 2018. She is a member and the Women Chief of the Malaysian United Indigenous Party (BERSATU), a component party of the PN coalition and was a member of United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), a component party of the BN coalition. She has previously served as the 2nd Vice Women Chief of BERSATU from August 2020 to October 2024 and the Women Youth Chief of UMNO from October 2013 to June 2018. After the defeat of BN to the Pakatan Harapan (PH) opposition coalition in the 2018 general election, she resigned from UMNO in 2018 and joined BERSATU in 2019. She is also the second female PAC Chairperson after Noraini Ahmad in Malaysian history.
Datuk Mohammad Zalimei bin Ishak, better known by his stage name as Remy Ishak is a Malaysian actor who was born in Melaka. He was first introduced to the film industry by independent director Osman Ali in 2006. He gained fame for his performance in Nur Kasih directed by Kabir Bhatia, which aired on TV3 in 2009. He later starred in the 2018 film Pulang.
Datuk Seri Utama Haji Sulaiman bin Md Ali is a Malaysian politician who has served as Member of the Malacca State Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Lendu since May 2013. He served as the 12th Chief Minister of Malacca from March 2020 to his resignation in March 2023, Deputy Member of the Malacca State Executive Council (EXCO) in the Barisan Nasional (BN) state administration under former Chief Minister and former Member Idris Haron from May 2013 to the collapse of the BN state administration in May 2018. He is a member, State Secretary of Malacca and Division Deputy Chief of Masjid Tanah of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), a component party of the BN coalition.
Abdul Ghafar bin Atan was a Malaysian politician.
Noor Effandi bin Ahmad is a Malaysian politician who served as Member of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Telok Mas from May 2018 to November 2021 and Member of the Malacca State Executive Council (EXCO) from May 2018 to March 2020 for the first time and again from March 2020 to his resignation in October 2021.
Muhammad Jailani bin Khamis is a Malaysian politician who has served as Member of the Malacca State Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Rembia since May 2018. He served as Member of the Malacca State Executive Council (EXCO) in the Barisan Nasional (BN) state administration under former Chief Minister Sulaiman Md Ali from November 2021 to March 2023 for the third term, from March 2020 to November 2021 for the second term and under former Chief Minister Adly Zahari from May 2018 to the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) state administration in March 2020 for the first term. He is a member of the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), a component party of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition. He was a member of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), a component party of the BN coalition before leaving UMNO for PAS and of the People's Justice Party (PKR), a component party of the PH coalition before leaving PKR and becoming an independent and supporting the BN coalition for nine months and later joining UMNO. He is also one of the only three Melaka Opposition and PN MLAs alongside State Leader of the Opposition and Bemban MLA Mohd Yadzil Yaakub and Sungai Udang MLA Mohd Aleef Yusof.
Norhizam bin Hassan Baktee is a Malaysian politician and lorry driver who served as Member of the Melaka State Executive Council (EXCO) in the Barisan Nasional (BN) state administration under former Chief Minister Sulaiman Md Ali from March 2020 to his resignation in October 2021 for the second term and in the Pakatan Harapan (PH) state administration under former Chief Minister Adly Zahari from May 2018 to the collapse of the PH state administration in March 2020 for the first term. as well as a Member of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Pengkalan Batu from May 2018 to November 2021. He is a member of the Malaysian United Indigenous Party (BERSATU), a component party of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition and was an independent and a member of the Democratic Action Party (DAP), a component party of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition. He is also informally known by his nicknames such as Hulk or Gangster, for his temperamental mood and fondness of wearing body-fit shirts.
Zaidi bin Attan is a Malaysian politician who has served as Deputy Member of the Malacca State Executive Council (EXCO) in the Barisan Nasional (BN) state administration under Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh and Member Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman since April 2023 for the second term and under former Chief Minister Idris Haron and former Members Abdul Ghafar Atan and Lim Ban Hong from May 2013 to the collapse of the BN administration in May 2018 for the first term. He also served as Member of the Malacca EXCO in the BN state administration under former Chief Minister Sulaiman Md Ali from November 2021 to March 2023. He has also served as Member of the Malacca State Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Serkam since May 2013. He is also the Deputy Chairman of Syarikat Air Melaka Berhad (SAMB). He is a member and Vice Division Chief of Jasin of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), a component party of the BN coalition. His appointment as a Deputy EXCO Member in April 2023 is a demotion as he was previously appointed an EXCO Member in November 2021. This has rarely happened in the Malaysian politics.
Md Rawi bin Mahmud is a Malaysian politician who served as Deputy Member of the Melaka State Executive Council (EXCO) in the Barisan Nasional (BN) state administration under former Chief Minister Idris Haron from May 2013 to the collapse of the BN state administration in May 2018 as well as Member of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Tanjung Bidara from May 2013 to November 2021. He is a member of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), a component party of the BN coalition.
Lim Ban Hong is a Malaysian politician who has served as Member of the Malacca State Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Kelebang from May 2013 to May 2018 and again since November 2021. He served as the Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry in the Barisan Nasional (BN) administration under former Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and former Minister Azmin Ali from August 2021 to the collapse of the BN administration in November 2022 and the first term in the Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration under former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and former Minister Azmin from March 2020 to the collapse of the PN administration in August 2021, Senator from March 2020 to his resignation in November 2022 as well as Member of the Malacca State Executive Council (EXCO) in BN state administration under former Chief Minister Idris Haron from July 2014 to the collapse of the BN state administration in May 2018. He is a member and State Chairman of Malacca of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), a component party of the BN coalition. He has also served as a Vice President of MCA since November 2018.
The 2021 Malacca state election, formally the 15th Malacca state election, took place on 20 November 2021. This election was to elect 28 members of the 15th Malacca State Legislative Assembly. The previous assembly was dissolved on 4 October 2021.
Ab Rauf bin Yusoh is a Malaysian politician who has served as the 13th chief minister of Malacca since March 2023 and Member of the Malacca State Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Tanjung Bidara since November 2021. He served as Senior Member of the Malacca State Executive Council (EXCO) in the Barisan Nasional (BN) state administration under former Chief Minister Sulaiman Md Ali from November 2021 to his promotion to the chief ministership in March 2023 and Speaker of the Malacca State Legislative Assembly from May 2020 to October 2021. He is a Member of Supreme Council and Division Chief of Masjid Tanah of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), a component party of the BN coalition. He has also served as the State Chairman of BN and UMNO of Malacca since July 2018.
Muhamad Akmal bin Saleh is a Malaysian politician and doctor who has served as Member of the Malacca State Executive Council (EXCO) in the Barisan Nasional (BN) state administration under Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh since April 2023 for the second term and under former Chief Minister Sulaiman Md Ali from November 2021 to March 2023 for the first term as well as a Member of the Malacca State Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Merlimau since November 2021. He is a member of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), a component party of the BN coalition. He has served as the 15th Youth Chief of UMNO and Division Chief of UMNO Jasin since March 2023.
Fairul Nizam bin Roslan, familiarly known as Along, is a Malaysian politician who has served as a Member of the Malacca State Executive Council (EXCO) in the Barisan Nasional (BN) state administration under Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh since April 2023 and Member of the Malacca State Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Asahan since November 2021. He is a member and the Division Chief Alor Gajah of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), a component party of the BN coalition. He was also the State Youth Chief of UMNO of Malacca.
Hameed Mytheen bin Kunju Basheer is a Malaysian politician and teacher who has served as Member of the Malacca State Executive Council (EXCO) in the Barisan Nasional (BN) state administration under Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh since April 2023 and Member of the Malacca State Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Ayer Limau since November 2021. He is a member of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), a component party of the BN coalition. He is the Division Vice Chief and Youth Chief of UMNO of Masjid Tanah. He was a physical education teacher at the Alor Gajah Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM).
Mohd Noor Helmy bin Abdul Halem is a Malaysian politician who has served as the Deputy Member of the Melaka State Executive Council (EXCO) in the Barisan Nasional (BN) state administration under Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh since April 2023 and Member of the Malacca State Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Duyong since November 2021. He is a member of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), a component party of the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition.
