Jamaliah was born on 16 March 1989 in Hunan, China.[1] She grew up in the Klang Valley and was the only child in the family. Her political interest was sparked in her teenage years, partly influenced by her father, Jamaluddin Ibrahim, who himself was a radio host and avid columnist at the time. Jamaliah's grandmother was Shamsiah Fakeh, a prominent Malaysian nationalist, feminist, and veteran leader of Angkatan Wanita Sedar (AWAS).[2]
Jamaliah began her involvement in politics when she started volunteering for the Democratic Action Party (DAP) in 2015. In 2016, she was chosen to become a Local Councillor under Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), as well as the special assistant to the then Assemblywoman for Damansara Utama, Yeo Bee Yin, serving in both positions until 2018.[3] Jamaliah holds the post of Selangor Vice Chief & was formerly the National Vice-Treasurer for DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) from 2018 until 2021. She also holds a party position as a DAP Selangor State Committee Member.
In 2018, Jamaliah was fielded for the first time to contest on a DAP ticket under the Bandar Utama constituency for the Selangor State Assembly in the 14th General Elections, where she won 90.4% of the constituents’ votes with a 38,561 majority, making her one of the youngest representatives to be elected into the Selangor State Assembly.
Jamaliah was re-elected in 2023 with 84.9% of the votes with a 35,446 majority in a 3-corner electoral race against Abe Lim from MUDA and Nur Alif Mohd Tafid from Perikatan Nasional.[4]
Tenure
Following her election in 2018, Jamaliah expressed her main priorities to be the tackling of racial issues, and the empowerment of youths.[5]
State Executive Council Member
In her second term, Jamaliah was appointed a Member of the Selangor State Executive Council as part of Amirudin Shari's second Executive Council.[6] She would oversee the Public Health, and Environment, Climate Change and Green Technology portfolio.[7]
