Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir (above) has revealed that his government has identified candidates for the role of state assembly speaker and deputy speaker.

Mukhriz said that the speaker candidate is from PKR, while the deputy speaker candidate is from Bersatu.

“We have the names for speaker and deputy speaker. We will wait for the selection process on July 4 (for the final decision)," he told reporters during Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's Hari Raya open house in Seri Perdana, Putrajaya today.

When asked about the possible challenges in the appointment of the state speaker, Mukhriz said it should no longer be an issue.

“So far, I do not see any problem arising from the selection of the speaker. No politician wants to see another state election.

"We are all tired after the last general election,” Mukhriz said.

Presently, the Harapan bloc (18 seats) has equal number of lawmakers as PAS (15) and Umno (3). 

Unless a bi-partisan deal can be struck, there is a possibility of an impasse over the speaker selection. 

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man had mooted for fresh polls should the state assembly fail to decide on the nomination for the speaker.

This suggestion was dismissed by Mukhriz as he said the matter could be resolved between the various parties, and that a fresh elections would incur unnecessary additional costs.