I had no role in rejection of motions to remove me, says Dewan speaker

Azhar Harun today said he had nothing to do with the rejection of some 15 motions on his removal as Dewan Rakyat speaker, adding that any decision on the matter would be made by his deputy Mohd Rashid Hasnon.

In a statement, he acknowledged that his office had received the motions for his replacement but said he had immediately informed the proposers that he would make no decision on the matter as it would involve a conflict of interest.

“I was never involved in any way nor did I interfere in any decision made on the motions,” he said.

“Furthermore, I know nothing about any decision that may have been made by the deputy speaker about the motions.”

Azhar also denied a report by Malay daily Utusan Malaysia which said that he had kept the motions from being put to debate.

“This is not true, and I view these as lies and slander made with the intention of ruining my reputation,” he said, adding that he would seek legal advice over the matter as soon as possible.