Khaidirah Abu Zahar

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 Melaka 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 Melaka State Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Rim since November 2021. She served as Deputy Speaker of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly from December 2021 to her appointment as a Deputy EXCO Member in April 2023. She is a member 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 daughter of the 8th and former Chief Minister of Melaka, Abu Zahar Ithnin.[1]

Khaidirah Abu Zahar
خضيرة أبو ظهر
Deputy Member of the
Melaka 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
GovernorMohd Ali Rustam
Chief MinisterAb Rauf Yusoh
MemberAb Rauf Yusoh
ConstituencyRim
Deputy Speaker of the
Melaka State Legislative Assembly
In office
27 December 2021  6 April 2023
GovernorMohd Ali Rustam
Chief MinisterSulaiman Md Ali
(2021–2023)
Ab Rauf Yusoh
(2023)
SpeakerIbrahim Durum
Preceded byGhazale Muhamad
Succeeded byKerk Chee Yee
ConstituencyRim
Member of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly
for Rim
Assumed office
20 November 2021
Preceded byGhazale Muhamad
(BNUMNO)
Majority1,327 (2021)
Faction represented in Melaka State Legislative Assembly
2021–Barisan Nasional
Personal details
Born
Khaidhirah binti Abu Zahar

(1984-03-02) 2 March 1984
Merlimau, Malacca, Malaysia
Political partyUnited 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)
      RelationsAbu Zahar Ithnin (father)
      Children1 (adopted son)
      Alma materUniversiti Teknologi MARA
      University of Malaya
      Occupation
      • Actress
      • director
      • politician
      • host
      NicknameDira

      She is also the first actress to be elected as an elected representative after winning the 2021 Malacca state election.[2][3]

      Early life

      She was born on 2 March 1984 in Merlimau, Malacca, the daughter of the former eighth Chief Minister of Melaka, the late Abu Zahar Ithnin. Dira holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam.

      Entertainment career

      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.

      Political career

      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]

      Personal life

      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.

      Controversy

      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]

      Filmography

      Film

      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

      Drama

      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

      Year Title
      2015 Baik Punya Cilok

      Telemovie

      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

      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

      Malacca State Legislative Assembly[23][24][25][26]
      Year Constituency Candidate Votes Pct Opponent(s) Votes Pct Ballots cast Majority Turnout
      2021 N25 Rim Khaidiriah Abu Zahar (UMNO) 4,037 29.52% Azalina Abdul Rahman (BERSATU) 2,710 19.82% 9,082 1,327 66.43%
      Prasanth Kumar Brakasam (PKR) 2,163 15.82%

      Honours and awards

      Honours of Malaysia

      References

      1. Bapa Dira Abu Zahar selamat dikebumikan Sensasi Selebriti. Dicapai pada 26 Mei 2014.
      2. "Artis Pertama Menang Pilihan Raya, Selamat Berkhidmat Untuk Rakyat Dira Abu Zahar". Astro Gempak (in Malay). 21 November 2021. Retrieved 21 November 2021.
      3. "PRN Melaka: Dira Abu Zahar artis pertama menang pilihan raya". Astro Awani (in Malay). 21 November 2021. Retrieved 21 November 2021.
      4. Farhana Abd Rahman (17 May 2016). Dira Abu Zahar leaves the art world Berita Harian . Accessed May 29, 2016.
      5. Mencari Sumaiya cabaran Dira Utusan Malaysia (21 July 2016). Accessed September 11, 2016.
      6. 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.
      7. Khairulanuar Yahaya (5 Jun 2018). Dira Abu Zahar bertanding Ketua Puteri UMNO Utusan Malaysia. Dicapai pada 6 Jun 2018.
      8. Muhammad Shamsul Abdul Ghani (2 Jun 2018). Dira istiqamah bersama UMNO, sudah berhenti berlakon Sinar Harian. Dicapai pada 6 Jun 2018.
      9. Amir Mamat (23 Jun 2018). Dira dipilih Ketua Puteri UMNO Jasin Berita Harian. Dicapai pada 24 Jun 2018.
      10. "PRN Melaka: Umno tampil 90% muka baharu" (in Malay). Free Malaysia Today. 4 November 2021. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
      11. "Melaka polls: Barisan unveils candidates list contesting all 28 state seats". The Star. 6 November 2021. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
      12. 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.
      13. Tahir Alhamzah (22 November 2021). "Dira Abu Zahar first artiste to win an election". #Showbiz. New Straits Times. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
      14. "Ibrahim Durum is new Melaka state assembly speaker, Dira is deputy". New Straits Times. 27 December 2021. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
      15. Wahida Othman (14 November 2011). "Dira & Helmi meniti bahagia". Mangga. Archived from the original on 17 November 2011. Retrieved 17 February 2014.
      16. 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.
      17. Zaidi Mohamad (9 November 2016). Dira, Helmi sudah enam bulan tidak sebumbung Berita Harian. Retrieved 21 June 2017.
      18. Zaidi Mohamad (24 February 2019). Dira makin bahagia dengan kehadiran Waris Berita Harian. Retrieved 12 June 2019.
      19. 3 bulan lepas awak muncul, Allah bisik ini saya punya: Dira Abu Zahar Astro Awani (10 January 2019). Retrieved 12 June 2019.
      20. Zaidi Mohamad (21 June 2020). "Dira Abu Zahar nikahi ahli perniagaan". Berita Harian. Retrieved 21 June 2020.
      21. "Pelakon Dira Abu Zahar bernikah dengan ahli perniagaan". Astro Awani. 21 June 2020. Retrieved 21 June 2020.
      22. "Insiden gaduh: Dira Abu Zahar direhatkan pihak pengurusan". Oh Bulan!. 4 May 2012. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
      23. "N.25 RIM". SPR Dashboard. 7 November 2021. Archived from the original on 1 October 2020. Retrieved 8 November 2021.
      24. "Keputusan Pilihan Raya Umum Parlimen/Dewan Undangan Negeri" (in Malay). Election Commission of Malaysia. Percentage figures based on total turnout.
      25. "Malaysia General Election". undiinfo Malaysian Election Data. Malaysiakini. Results only available from the 2004 election.
      26. "The Star Online GE". The Star.
      27. "Semakan Penerima Darjah Kebesaran, Bintang dan Pingat". Bahagian Istiadat dan Urusetia Persidangan Antarabangsa. Prime Minister's Department (Malaysia). Retrieved 25 October 2018.
      28. Amri Hassan (5 November 2020). ""Yang penting bukan Datuk beli" - Dira Abu Zahar dapat pangkat Datuk dari Melaka". Astro Gempak. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
      29. "Dira Abu Zahar terima gelaran Datuk". Rotikaya. 2 November 2020. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
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