Shri. M.J. Zakaria, journalist and trade union leader, was born as the son of Shri. Mohammed Jaffer Sait and Smt. Fathima Bai at Cochin on 11 April 1941. He completed his intermediate education at Mattancherry, even while being involved in students movements.

Shri. Zakaria entered Politics through the Muslim Students Federation. He was the Councillor of the Cochin Corporation since its formation in 1967 and was the Chairman of the Health Committee. In 1976 he became the Deputy Mayor of Cochin Corporation. He was elected as a Representative of the civic body to the Greater Cochin Development Authority. He has also successfully completed the orientation course for the Councillors conducted by the Osmania University, Hyderabad.

Shri. Zakaria had been elected to K.L.A in 1980, 1987, and in 1992 from Mattancherry constituency. He held the Office of the Deputy Speaker in VIth K.L.A from 21 February 1980 to 01 January 1982. He was also the Chairman of the Estimates Committee of Kerala Legislature during 1994-1996.

Shri. Zakaria was District Vice-President of Muslim League and Secretary of the Muslim League Legislature Party during 1980-82. He was also the State Secretary and State Vice- President of AIML. He later became State Working President of INL. As President of several trade unions he had served in F.C.I Thozhilali Union, Cochin Port Swathanthra Thozhilali Union, Kerala State Rationshop Employees Union, KSDP Employees Council, and K.M.M.L Employees Union.

A known journalist, Shri. Zakaria has authored several short stories and was the Editor of “Aikyam” Weekly.

Smt. Hajara Bai is his wife they have three sons and four daughters.

Shri. M.J. Zakaria expired on 3 October 1999.

The Assembly paid its homage to him on 29 December 1999.