I will be fair, independent: Speaker

KUALA LUMPUR: Newly appointed Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof ( pix) has pledged to run the lower house fairly and free from any interference.

The former Court of Appeal judge said he will ensure greater democracy in Parliament under his watch.

“I will strive to perform my duty with all my heart and free from any external influences to protect the dignity of this noble house.

“I will also be together with all of you striving to improve this institution, to ensure that the culture of democracy in Parliament improves, and is fair to all,” he said.

Later when speaking to the media, Mohamad Ariff gave his assurance that parliamentary reform was on his agenda, but that he needed some time to look through what needed reforming and improvement.

He said he would also review the current limit of three personnel from each to cover parliamentary proceedings and would also consider lifting the ban on media from loitering in the lobby area to doorstep ministers and MPs.

“In fact, I’m having a meeting today with the minister in charge Datuk Liew Vui Keong,” he told reporters.

On the walkout staged by opposition MPs who were protesting his appointment, Mohamad Ariff said he felt the issue was resolved and no action would taken against them.

“This is the new Malaysia. We believe in democratic rights and freedom of expression and speech,” he said.

On allegations by the Opposition that his appointment was illegal as it was made after the deadline of July 2, Mohamad Ariff maintained that his appointment was legal, and was done 14 days before the session started yesterday, as required.

Meanwhile, Batu Pahat MP Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon and Teluk Intan MP Nga Kor Ming were elected as the deputy speakers by a secret ballot. Mohd Rashid and Nga received 171 and 124 votes, respectively, and beat Beluran MP Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee, the candidate nominated by the Opposition, who garnered 93 votes.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad proposed the nomination of Mohd Rashid and Nga while Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi proposed the nomination of Kiandee.

Mohamad Ariff, who retired in 2015, is known for his great sense of impartiality especially during the Perak constitutional crisis in 2009 and the controversial open verdict relating to the death of Teoh Beng Hock, a political aide to a DAP assemblyman, while being questioned by the MACC.