Johari confirms his name among Dewan Rakyat speaker candidates

 

Former Sungai Petani MP Johari Abdul has confirmed that his name is among the candidates proposed as the Dewan Rakyat speaker.

“There are a few names already submitted by all sorts of parties. It is understood that my name is among them.

“Maybe (I will be speaker),” Johari told Malaysiakini.

Speculation has been rife that Johari will be the new Dewan Rakyat speaker after Azhar Azizan Harun steps down from the position on Dec 18 in accordance with the Federal Constitution.

Johari was offered the speaker post in 2018 when Pakatan Harapan came into power after GE14, but he turned it down.

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

What about deputy speakers?

Johari said he does not know anything about potential deputy speakers.

However, Malaysiakini has learned that the government will submit a name from DAP as well as BN’s Cameron Highland MP Ramli Md Nor.

Ramli is the acting deputy speaker. Malaysiakini has contacted Ramli on this matter and is waiting for his reply.

Meanwhile, Sinar Harian reported that Johari said he would continue the fight for the Parliament Services Act if he becomes the new speaker.

While his name is among the list of candidates, he said he has not yet received any confirmation from the Dewan Rakyat secretariat’s office.

Perikatan Nasional (PN) earlier said it also submitted a candidate for the Dewan Rakyat speaker position. - Mkini