COMMENT | Art Harun - strengthening parliamentary institution or a stooge?

COMMENT | I remember when Pakatan Harapan won the general election in May 2018, someone I know mentioned to me that it’s a weird feeling when your friends on Facebook have now become cabinet members and heads of various government agencies. I guess that speaks significantly about the circle of friends and acquaintances that we have.

Prior to the historic 2018 general election, the fight against the alleged kleptocratic government at that time managed to unite many Malaysians and they ranged from those in the actual political opposition to everyday Malaysians who would stay updated on social media and also through other activism movements.

Basically, everyone ran in the same circle. The opposition politicians were always on the ground. The people were always on the ground. There was constant engagement and everyone were more or less friends and knew each other. So of course, naturally, people would connect in some way or another.

Which brings me to the issue of the appointment of Azhar Azizan Harun as the new Dewan Rakyat speaker. His appointment has been fairly controversial. Firstly, he was appointed without a vote. Secondly, he resigned as Election Commission chairperson, an appointment made by the Harapan government, to be then appointed by the Perikatan Nasional government as speaker.

Yes, Art Harun (as he is more widely known), is also my ...