Singapore parl's first woman speaker of Indian-origin

Indian-origin politician Halimah Yacob scripted history on Monday by becoming the first woman speaker of Singapore's parliament, replacing Michael Palmer who was forced to quit over his extra-marital affair.

She assumed charge at the start of the sitting of the House, Channel News Asia reported.

58-year-old Halimah, an Indian-origin Muslim, resigned on Sunday as minister of state for ministry of social and family development.

She filled the position vacated by Palmer, former People's Action Party MP who stepped down on December 12, 2012, over an extramarital affair.

Halimah was nominated by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to be elected as speaker.

Halimah, a former labour lawyer and a mother of five, is a member of parliament from the ruling People's Action Party, having entered politics in 2001.