PH choice Johari Abdul elected as Dewan speaker

Former Sungai Petani MP Johari Abdul has been elected as Dewan Rakyat speaker, winning 147 votes in the House against former home minister Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad who obtained 74. 

Johari was nominated by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on behalf of the government while Radzi was nominated by Perikatan Nasional secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin, representing the opposition.

The motion to appoint a new speaker was made as soon as the first meeting of the first term of the 15th Parliament convened at 10am today.

Dewan Rakyat secretary Nizam Mydin Bacha Mydin said he had received letters proposing the names of Johari and Radzi from Anwar and Hamzah on Dec 5.

As more than one name was submitted, a written vote was held among the MPs, in line with Meeting Rule 4 (3).

Former speaker Azhar Harun, who held the role since July 13, 2020, stepped down effective Dec 18. 

Lanang MP Alice Lau and Cameron Highlands MP Ramli Md Nor were elected as deputy speakers with 146 and 148 votes respectively. 

PN candidate Masjid Tanah MP Mas Ermieyati meanwhile received only 74 votes.