KUALA LUMPUR – Any individual seeking to be an office-bearer in Parliament, whether as speaker or deputy speaker, must be clean of any criminal record or prosecution in the courts.
Speaking to Utusan Malaysia, Dewan Negara Speaker Tan Sri Rais Yatim said the prerequisite will ensure that those chosen will be reflective of a “clean” parliamentary institution that abides by the rule of law.
“This is the best (measure), but I have to admit that the principle that a person is innocent before the court finds otherwise must also be taken into account.
“With an ongoing case in relation to a deputy speaker candidate who is awaiting a decision, the best way is to ensure that he doesn’t become a candidate and those considering the candidacy should reject it,” he said.
Rais was referring to Pontian MP Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, who is believed to have agreed to be nominated as the deputy speaker to replace Pengerang MP Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, who tendered her resignation recently.
Ahmad’s reported nomination comes despite him facing trial over alleged money laundering involving RM2 million received from former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in 2013.
According to Malaysiakini, Umno’s Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz had confirmed the Pontian MP’s nomination.
“Yes, it’s true. YB Pontian is nominated for the deputy speaker post,” Nazri was quoted as saying.
The Vibes has reached out to Ahmad for a response on the matter, but the Umno politician has yet to respond on his said nomination.
Rais further said the post should be offered to those who are free from any prosecution in court so that Parliament is not compromised.
“Any candidates for the post of speaker and deputy speaker should not be from those facing prosecution at the courts.
“This is so that Malaysia will continue to have a good name and the principle of rule of law will be preserved,” he added.
On Sunday, Utusan had quoted a source as saying that Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun may get to keep his job, with Ahmad set to replace Azalina.
The source had said the proposal was agreed upon by the Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional coalitions. – The Vibes, September 10, 2021
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