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.
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 |
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]
Early life
editShe 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.
Entertainment career
editDira 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.
Political career
editFollowing 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]
Personal life
editDira 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.
Controversy
editIn 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]
Filmography
editFilm
edit| 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 |
Drama
edit| 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 |
Theater
edit| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Baik Punya Cilok |
Telemovie
edit| 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 |
Television
edit| 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 |
Election Results
edit| 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% | ||||||||||
Honours
editHonours of Malaysia
edit
Malacca :
Companion Class II of the Exalted Order of Malacca (DPSM) – Datuk (2020)[27][28][29]
References
edit- ^ "Artis Pertama Menang Pilihan Raya, Selamat Berkhidmat Untuk Rakyat Dira Abu Zahar". Astro Gempak (in Malay). 21 November 2021. Retrieved 21 November 2021.
- ^ "PRN Melaka: Dira Abu Zahar artis pertama menang pilihan raya". Astro Awani (in Malay). 21 November 2021. Retrieved 21 November 2021.
- ^ Bapa Dira Abu Zahar selamat dikebumikan Sensasi Selebriti. Dicapai pada 26 Mei 2014.
- ^ Farhana Abd Rahman (17 May 2016). Dira Abu Zahar leaves the art world Berita Harian . Accessed May 29, 2016.
- ^ Mencari Sumaiya cabaran Dira Utusan Malaysia (21 July 2016). Accessed September 11, 2016.
- ^ Dira Abu Zahar serah borang jadi ahli Puteri UMNO Archived 2018-05-02 at the Wayback Machine Utusan Malaysia (25 Ogos 2013). Diperoleh pada 1 September 2013.
- ^ Khairulanuar Yahaya (5 Jun 2018). Dira Abu Zahar bertanding Ketua Puteri UMNO Utusan Malaysia. Dicapai pada 6 Jun 2018.
- ^ Muhammad Shamsul Abdul Ghani (2 Jun 2018). Dira istiqamah bersama UMNO, sudah berhenti berlakon Sinar Harian. Dicapai pada 6 Jun 2018.
- ^ Amir Mamat (23 Jun 2018). Dira dipilih Ketua Puteri UMNO Jasin Berita Harian. Dicapai pada 24 Jun 2018.
- ^ "PRN Melaka: Umno tampil 90% muka baharu" (in Malay). Free Malaysia Today. 4 November 2021. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
- ^ "Melaka polls: Barisan unveils candidates list contesting all 28 state seats". The Star. 6 November 2021. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
- ^ Norzalina (19 November 2021). "Bekas Aktres, Pengacara Cantik Bertanding Di PRN Melaka, Personaliti Humble Datuk Dira Abu Zahar Curi Perhatian". Nona (in Malay). Retrieved 19 November 2021.
- ^ Tahir Alhamzah (22 November 2021). "Dira Abu Zahar first artiste to win an election". #Showbiz. New Straits Times. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
- ^ "Ibrahim Durum is new Melaka state assembly speaker, Dira is deputy". New Straits Times. 27 December 2021. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
- ^ Wahida Othman (14 November 2011). "Dira & Helmi meniti bahagia". Mangga. Archived from the original on 17 November 2011. Retrieved 17 February 2014.
- ^ Wartawan Sinar Harian (19 December 2013). "Dira Abu Zahar tak sedar hamil, keguguran". Sinar Harian. Archived from the original on 26 June 2018. Retrieved 21 June 2014.
- ^ Zaidi Mohamad (9 November 2016). Dira, Helmi sudah enam bulan tidak sebumbung Berita Harian. Retrieved 21 June 2017.
- ^ Zaidi Mohamad (24 February 2019). Dira makin bahagia dengan kehadiran Waris Berita Harian. Retrieved 12 June 2019.
- ^ 3 bulan lepas awak muncul, Allah bisik ini saya punya: Dira Abu Zahar Astro Awani (10 January 2019). Retrieved 12 June 2019.
- ^ Zaidi Mohamad (21 June 2020). "Dira Abu Zahar nikahi ahli perniagaan". Berita Harian. Retrieved 21 June 2020.
- ^ "Pelakon Dira Abu Zahar bernikah dengan ahli perniagaan". Astro Awani. 21 June 2020. Retrieved 21 June 2020.
- ^ "Insiden gaduh: Dira Abu Zahar direhatkan pihak pengurusan". Oh Bulan!. 4 May 2012. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
- ^ "N.25 RIM". SPR Dashboard. 7 November 2021. Archived from the original on 1 October 2020. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
- ^ "Keputusan Pilihan Raya Umum Parlimen/Dewan Undangan Negeri" (in Malay). Election Commission of Malaysia. Percentage figures based on total turnout.
- ^ "Malaysia General Election". undiinfo Malaysian Election Data. Malaysiakini. Results only available from the 2004 election.
- ^ "The Star Online GE". The Star.
- ^ "Semakan Penerima Darjah Kebesaran, Bintang dan Pingat". Bahagian Istiadat dan Urusetia Persidangan Antarabangsa. Prime Minister's Department (Malaysia). Retrieved 25 October 2018.
- ^ Amri Hassan (5 November 2020). ""Yang penting bukan Datuk beli" - Dira Abu Zahar dapat pangkat Datuk dari Melaka". Astro Gempak. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
- ^ "Dira Abu Zahar terima gelaran Datuk". Rotikaya. 2 November 2020. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
