A NEW candidate to head the Election Commission (EC) has been identified and the government will now undergo the necessary process before making an announcement.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government will adhere to the due process needed for the appointment, including obtaining consent from Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.

“It has been finalised. We will follow the process and will need the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s consent for the appointment,” he said today after an event in Kuala Lumpur.

The position has been vacant following the retirement of Abdul Ghani Salleh on May 9 after four years of being the chairman.

Last week, EC deputy chairman Azmi Sharom said the appointment process of EC commissioners and officers should be transparent as the current process is shrouded in secrecy and opaque practices.

Anwar said Azmi’s concerns were understandable.

“We don’t consult the EC deputy chairman (on appointments). We have to go through due process,” he said.

Previously, civil society movements, including Bersih, had urged Putrajaya to establish a parliamentary committee to revamp the appointment process for the EC chief.

Under Article 114 of the Federal Constitution, the appointment of EC members, including its chairman, requires the consent of the king after consulting the Conference of Rulers.

On another matter, Anwar said he would be discussing the new candidate for Dewan Negara president with the unity government leadership.

“We will discuss this with the party and Sarawak leadership when I’m in Sarawak tomorrow,” he added.

On May 10, Dewan Negara president Mutang Tagal, 70, passed away at a hospital in Kuala Lumpur. – May 26, 2024.