G25 says ‘no’ to ex-BTN man Johari Abdul as speaker

The group of former eminent government officers says Johari’s former position as PKR’s whip in Parliament also makes him unsuitable to be the Dewan Rakyat speaker.

Former PKR parliamentary whip Johari Abdul should not be given the post of Dewan Rakyat speaker which must be politically neutral, says G25. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: The G25 group of former prominent civil servants today said it was deeply concerned over reports that Sungai Petani MP Johari Abdul was tipped to be announced as the new Dewan Rakyat speaker.

It said Johari was a former director of the controversial National Civics Bureau (BTN), a government agency that had been heavily criticised in the past, and a former PKR whip in Parliament.

BTN had over the years been dogged with allegations that it was being used for indoctrination of racism and bigotry, and only served its political masters.

In a statement, the group said Johari’s former position as PKR’s whip in the legislature made him unsuitable for the post of speaker which should be neutral.

It said in the UK, the speaker of the House of Commons, who needed to be politically impartial, would resign from his or her political party and remain separate from political issues, even in retirement.

“G25 therefore urges Pakatan Harapan to reconsider its choice for Dewan Rakyat speaker and to nominate other candidates who are better suited to reform Parliament,” it said, adding that the ruling coalition must show that it was serious in reforming Parliament.

It said there were other candidates who were eminently qualified to be the speaker, such as retired Court of Appeal judges Mohd Hishamudin Yunus and Mohamad Ariff Yusof.

The group claimed that they had impeccable track records for carrying out their duties fairly.

“G25 reiterates the crucial and immediate need to reform Parliament. Parliament is the third arm of government and cannot be treated like a political football field.

“The Dewan Rakyat speaker is its epicentre and plays a crucial role in restoring the dignity of Parliament to its former glory.

“We do not wish for a weak Parliament anymore which merely rubber-stamps the wishes of the executive. Malaysians deserve a vibrant and effective check against the executive,” it added. -FMT