<p>Indian-origin politician Halimah Yacob scripted history today by becoming the first woman Speaker of Singapore's Parliament, replacing Michael Palmer who was forced to quit over his extra-marital affair.<br /><br /></p>.<p>She assumed charge at the start of the sitting of the House this afternoon, Channel News Asia reported.<br /><br />58-year-old Halimah, an Indian-origin Muslim, resigned yesterday as Minister of State for Ministry of Social and Family Development.<br /><br />She filled the position vacated by Palmer, former People's Action Party MP who stepped down on December 12, 2012, over an extramarital affair.<br /><br />Halimah was nominated by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to be elected as Speaker.<br />Halimah, a former labour lawyer and a mother of five, is a member of Parliament from the ruling People's Action Party (PAP), having entered politics in 2001.</p>
<p>Indian-origin politician Halimah Yacob scripted history today by becoming the first woman Speaker of Singapore's Parliament, replacing Michael Palmer who was forced to quit over his extra-marital affair.<br /><br /></p>.<p>She assumed charge at the start of the sitting of the House this afternoon, Channel News Asia reported.<br /><br />58-year-old Halimah, an Indian-origin Muslim, resigned yesterday as Minister of State for Ministry of Social and Family Development.<br /><br />She filled the position vacated by Palmer, former People's Action Party MP who stepped down on December 12, 2012, over an extramarital affair.<br /><br />Halimah was nominated by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to be elected as Speaker.<br />Halimah, a former labour lawyer and a mother of five, is a member of Parliament from the ruling People's Action Party (PAP), having entered politics in 2001.</p>