[UPDATED] Johari Abdul appointed as Dewan Rakyat speaker

KUALA LUMPUR – PKR veteran Datuk Johari Abdul has been elected as the new Dewan Rakyat speaker after securing the majority support of MPs in a ballot vote today.

The ballot was conducted after more than one candidate for the speaker’s post was nominated, in line with Standing Order 4(3) of the Dewan Rakyat, and was presided over by the secretary of the lower house, Nizam Mydin Bacha Mydin.

The other candidate, former Umno man and cabinet member, Senator Tan Sri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad, was the opposition pick for the position.

According to Nizam Mydin, he received a written nomination for both candidates on December 5.

Johari, who is former Sg Petani MP, won the vote for the speaker’s seat with the backing of 147 lawmakers, one short of a two-third majority, while Radzi secured 74 votes. The lower house has a total of 222 members.

He later immediately took his oath of office, officially making him the 11th person to be the chair of the lower house, succeeding Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun.

Azhar, popularly known as Art Harun, formally stepped down as speaker yesterday after being elected to the post under the previous Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin-led government on July 13, 2020.

Johari, who did not contest in the recent general election, had vacated his Gurun state seat in Kedah effective December 13 ahead of today’s voting.

In his maiden speech as Dewan Rakyat speaker, Johari expressed his hope that all MPs will respect his position and treat the lower house respectfully as a platform to share constructive criticisms and ideas.

“Lawmakers ought to prioritise the country’s interest and not use this honourable house as a political platform for certain groups or individuals.”

He also expressed confidence that his past experiences as an administrative and diplomatic officer, businessman, MP, and state assemblyman will assist him in the carrying out of his responsibilities as speaker.

“I hope MPs will provide their cooperation with me in their duty as an MP. I am confident the MPs who will swear in shortly will make full use of their knowledge and experience in developing the country.”

Johari also took the opportunity to express his condolences to families of victims of the Batang Kali landslide, which has killed at least 24 people and led the Dewan Rakyat to a minute of silence today.

Johari’s appointment was immediately followed by the taking of oaths of all Dewan Rakyat members. – The Vibes, December 19, 2022