Azhar - from EC chief to Dewan Rakyat speaker?

Election Commission (EC) chairperson Azhar Azizan Harun is speculated to be the next Dewan Rakyat speaker replacing Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof.

Selangor BN information chief Isham Jalil brought up the matter in social media today.

He, however, was uneasy with the appointment as he felt Azhar supported Pakatan Harapan.

"I was just notified that Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin had proposed the EC chief as the new speaker of Dewan Rakyat.

"If this is true, then it is an awkward proposal as Azhar was previously appointed by Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Harapan, and he is a staunch supporter of Harapan," he said.

This could be a measure by Muhyiddin and the government to secure the support of the opposition bloc to elect the speaker and deputy speaker in the upcoming Parliament sitting on July 13.

"With due respect, I, without prejudice and with an open heart, like to ask if the prime minister is not confident that the government will get sufficient votes in Parliament until he needs to pick a speaker that tends to support Harapan.

"(I) urge the prime minister to enlighten us with an open heart too," he said.

Malaysiakini has reached out to Azhar but has not received any comment as of publication.

Meanwhile, BN secretary-general Annuar Musa (below) said there was nothing wrong in nominating Azhar as the new speaker.

He said Azhar not only has a legal background, but he also met the criteria for the position.

"I think it is not fair to relate his nomination with his brother as the attorney-general (AG). He was elected as EC chief before (his brother's) appointment as the AG, and he has proven to provide excellent service in EC.

"However, I think everyone can speculate until it is proven. One has to give up his or her position, including party and organisation posts before he or she could be appointed to the new post," he said.

"He should execute his duties accordingly (if he is appointed as the speaker).

"I see this as a normal process, but the appointment will be made at the sitting after getting majority support of the MPs," he was quoted as saying by Berita Harian today.

The report also said Azhar resigned as EC chief yesterday.

Muhyiddin was said to file a motion to replace the speaker and deputy speaker on June 26. It is expected the motion will be tabled during the upcoming sitting.

Azhar, who appeared at Chini to monitor the early voting process of the Chini state seat by-election, soon grabbed the attention of the local media.

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