LETTER | What if the PN government fails to replace the speaker?

LETTER | Can a Dewan Rakyat speaker be removed and replaced? What if the PN government fails to obtain the majority vote to replace the speaker?

The next Parliament sitting is scheduled from next Monday, July 13 to Aug 27. It was reported that Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's government wants to replace the current speaker Mohd Ariff Md Yusof (above, right) and his deputy Nga Kor Ming (above, left) when Parliament reopens. This issue has attracted conflicting views on its legality and legitimacy.

The PN government is likely to nominate Azhar Azizan Harun who recently resigned as Election Commission chairperson to be the new speaker, as well as Azalina Othman Said as a new deputy speaker.

It was also reported that Anwar Ibrahim and his Pakatan Harapan bloc had pledged to defend Ariff and Nga and will reject any motion to remove them.

One has to take note that Ariff did not resign, hence in accordance with Article 57(2)(c) of the Federal Constitution, the House must resolve to remove him first.

The process of electing a speaker or deputy speaker is spelt out under Article 57 of the Federal Constitution and the Parliament standing order no. 4 and 6 respectively.

All is required is for a member of the House to propose Azhar and be seconded by another member. No debate shall be allowed.

If there is another qualified person who is nominated, proposed, and seconded, i.e. to challenge Azhar, the House shall proceed to elect the Speaker by ballot.

In short, come this Monday, there should be a vote taking place, in order to resolve whether Ariff should be removed, and/or on the appointment of the new speaker (if there is more than one nominee).

What if the voting does take place and the PN government fails to obtain the majority to replace Ariff? This will show that the current PM is unable to command the majority in Parliament and the next move by the opposition would likely be to table a motion of no confidence.

It will likely be another interesting and controversial Parliament session.