Former Sungai Petani MP Johari Abdul has announced his resignation as the Gurun state assemblyperson, further fuelling speculation that he will be named as the new Dewan Rakyat speaker.

He said he has vacated the seat effective immediately in a corresponding letter to Kedah state assembly speaker Juhari Bulat sent on Dec 13.

“A million thanks to the people of Gurun who have given me support, trust, and the opportunity to represent the voice of the people of Gurun in the Kedah state assembly.

“I humbly ask for forgiveness if there are mistakes and shortcomings to all parties, especially for the people in Gurun during my service as an assemblyperson,” he said in a Facebook post.

Johari (above) had served one term each as an assemblyperson for Gurun and Bakar Arang respectively and was Sungai Petani MP for four terms.

Last week, he confirmed with Malaysiakini that his name was among the candidates proposed as the Dewan Rakyat speaker.

When Pakatan Harapan first assumed power following the 14th general election in 2018, Johari had declined the speaker position.

He explained that he made the decision at that time as the Constitution states an assemblyperson chosen as the Dewan Rakyat speaker has to withdraw from the state legislative assembly.

After current speaker Azhar Azizan Harun resigned from his post, effective today (Dec 18), in accordance with the Federal Constitution, rumours have been rampant that Johari will take over as speaker of the Dewan Rakyat.

Perikatan Nasional (PN) has also named Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad as the party’s speaker candidate for Dewan Rakyat.

Additionally, it was reported that DAP’s Lanang MP Alice Lau dan BN’s Cameron Highlands MP Ramli Md Nor have been nominated as deputy speakers.

The first meeting of the 15th Parliament will commence with a two-day sitting on Dec 19 and 20. 

The order of business for the sitting includes a vote of confidence for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

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