EC boss Azhar Harun resigns

Azhar Harun has been nominated for the speaker’s post.

PETALING JAYA: The Election Commission (EC) today confirmed that its chairman Azhar Harun, who is said to be the candidate to replace Dewan Rakyat speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof, has resigned.

Azhar’s resignation on June 29 had received royal consent a day later, the commission said.

It also said that EC deputy chairman Azmi Sharom will carry out Azhar’s duties until a new chairman is appointed.

Azhar and former minister Azalina Othman Said have been nominated by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to replace current speaker Ariff and his deputy Nga Kor Ming.

The move drew criticism from Pakatan Harapan leaders.

Azhar, popularly known as Art Harun, was appointed to helm the EC in September 2018.

In a recent interview with FMT, Azhar said he was not beholden to any political party, when asked why he did not give up his post following the collapse of the PH government.

“If by political appointment you mean an appointee subscribes to a particular political inclination or is beholden to a party or political appointor, I think that’s wrong,” he told FMT last month. - FMT