Azalina Othman Said was appointed deputy speaker of the Dewan Rakyat without vote, replacing Nga Kor Ming who resigned from the post earlier today.
No other names were nominated as an alternative.
This was announced by newly-appointed Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun, who had earlier replaced Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof.
“Since there was only one candidate nominated and seconded to fill the post, I hereby, as the Dewan Rakyat Speaker, in accordance with the Standing Order 6 (2) declare Pengerang MP Azalina Othman Said as the new deputy speaker,” he said during the Parliament debate session.
Earlier, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin moved to rescind his motion to remove Nga Kor Ming as the deputy speaker following the latter’s resignation and nominated Azalina to replace Nga.
Muhyiddin said her appointment was made in accordance with the Dewan Rakyat Standing Order 6(2) read together with Standing Order 4(3).
Gobind Singh Deo (Puchong-PH) said since the position fell vacant today following Nga’s resignation, the opposition should be given an opportunity to name a candidate.
In response to this, Azhar said the Dewan Rakyat Standing Order 4(1) does not stipulate that a nomination can only be made after the seat falls vacant.
He added that nominations have to be made to the Parliament secretary, 14 days before the sitting.
“Before this, there was one nomination from the side of the prime minister, but the opposition did not nominate anyone,” he ruled.
Azhar added that the opposition has indicated previously it will continue to throw its support for Nga, who is presumed to be the opposition’s candidate of choice.
Muhyiddin’s motion for Azalina’s appointment was backed by Mohamed Azmin Ali (Gombak-Bersatu).
Azalina, 57, had previously held several Cabinet positions during the Barisan Nasional administration, including Youth and Sports Minister, Tourism Minister, and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.
At a press conference in the Parliament lobby, Nga, who is also Teluk Intan MP, said he resigned in solidarity with Ariff, who was earlier today removed as the speaker after a motion to have him vacate the post was passed.
“This morning, we witnessed for the first time in Malaysia’s history, a dedicated Speaker being dismissed without any valid reason.
“Due to that, I, in solidarity with Ariff and in line with my principles, will only serve a government that was chosen by the people.
“And therefore, I would like to announce my resignation as the Deputy Speaker effective immediately, as a matter of principle, honour and in solidarity with Ariff.
“We came in with honour and we will bow out with honour,” he said.
Asked if his decision to resign ahead of the motion to vacate the post could jeopardise his credibility, Nga said it was actually an honourable act as he had worked closely with Ariff all these years.
“This week marks two years Mohamad Ariff and I have served as Speaker and Deputy Speaker. That is why I am willing to resign as a mark of solidarity to the Speaker (Mohamad Ariff),” he said.
Nga also expressed his thanks to all parties, including the media, for cooperating with him during his service.