Khairy: Art is qualified but appointment needs Parliament’s nod

Khairy Jamaluddin says in Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto, it is clearly stated that the appointments of EC members must go through the parliamentary process.

PETALING JAYA: Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin today welcomed the appointment of Azhar Harun as the new Election Commission (EC) chairman, but disagreed with how it was done.

Khairy acknowledged that Azhar, better known as Art, was qualified for the position and was confident he would be able to enhance the electoral system to ensure free and fair elections in the country.

“However, in Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto, it is clearly stated that the appointments of EC members must go through the parliamentary process. This was not done.

“Parliament will reconvene on Oct 15. Why couldn’t the appointment be delayed until it gets parliamentary consent?

“Even without an EC chairman, the Port Dickson by-election can proceed, so don’t use that as an excuse,” he said in a series of tweets.

Khairy was commenting on Azhar’s appointment as EC chairman.

Azhar replaces Mohd Hashim Abdullah, whose tenure as chairman was shortened to July 1. It was initially supposed to end in August 2020.

The former Umno Youth chief said in the quest to appoint someone progressive to head an important institution, one should not forget that the means of appointment is also a commitment of the new government to institutional reform.

He said that even though Azhar’s appointment has received the consent of the king, he expressed hope the lawyer can temporarily reject it until it goes to Parliament.

“You must not start the process of institutional reforms with an appointment made in total disregard to the very reforms you have promised,” he added. - FMT