Wan Junaidi elected Dewan Negara president

Former minister in the Prime Minister's Department (parliament and law), Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar was elected as the 19th Dewan Negara president today.

His appointment, effective June 18, is to replace Rais Yatim, whose tenure ended on June 16.

The appointment was made after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim nominated Wan Junaidi, who is also the sole candidate proposed for the post.

"According to Standing Order 2 (1), I have ensured that he agrees to serve if elected," he said.

The motion was seconded by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

Standing Order 2 (1) states that every senator who wishes to propose a senator for election as Tuan Yang di-Pertua shall ascertain previously that the senator is willing to serve if elected, and shall notify the setiausaha of his proposal at least two days before the meeting.

Meanwhile, Jazlan Mohamed has been elected as the Dewan Negara deputy president.

The decision to appoint Nur Jazlan was made through a secret ballot since there was more than one candidate proposed for the post.

Wan Junaidi announced Nur Jazlan's election after the candidate from the government received more votes than another candidate.

"Yang Berhormat Senator Jazlan Mohamed obtained 43 votes, while Yang Berhormat Razali Idris received 11 votes, and eight members were absent.
 
"Therefore, in accordance with Standing Order 5 (2), I hereby announce that Yang Berhormat Senator Nur Jazlan has been elected as the Deputy Speaker of Dewan Negara," he said.

According to Standing Order 5 (2), the procedure for the election of Timbalan Tuan Yang di-Pertua shall be as nearly as may be the same as that for the election of Tuan Yang diPertua, save that the election shall be conducted by Tuan Yang di-Pertua.

The motion for Nur Jazlan's nomination was brought forth by Anwar before being seconded by Dominic Lau Hoe Chai.