Singapore’s first female speaker of parliament was formally installed today, replacing a disgraced predecessor who stepped down after he confessed to an extramarital affair.

Halimah Yacob, a 58-year-old Muslim lawyer and unionist who is never seen in public without her headdress, was the only nominee for the post in the legislature, where the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) holds 81 of the 87 seats.

The appointment of Halimah comes a month after her predecessor Michael Palmer abruptly resigned from parliament and the PAP, admitting he had an affair with a junior colleague from a state-linked community organisation.

A by-election will be held on Jan 26 to fill the seat vacated by Palmer.

- AFP