New EC appointment good but betrays Pakatan's promise, says Khairy

Updated 7 years ago · Published on 21 Sep 2018 7:10PM · 8 Comments

Khairy Jamaluddin says the Pakatan Harapan government should have gone through Parliament as promised in the coalition’s election manifesto. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, September 21, 2018.

AZHAR Azizan @ Harun’s appointment as the new Election Commission chairman is a good move, but it goes against Pakatan Harapan’s reform promise, said opposition lawmaker Khairy Jamaluddin.

The Rembau MP said the PH government should have gone through Parliament as promised in the coalition’s election manifesto.

“You must not start the process of institutional reforms with an appointment made in total disregard to the very reforms you have promised,” Khairy said on Twitter today.

The former Umno Youth chief added Azhar’s appointment should have been done when Parliament reconvenes on October 15.

“Why can’t the appointment be postponed till it gets the approval of Parliament? Without the new chairman, the EC is already facilitating the Port Dickson by-election. Do not use that as an excuse,” Khairy said referring to the by-election on October 13 next month.

Khairy also hoped Azhar, better known as Art Harun, would push back his appointment till Parliament reconvenes, but stressed the lawyer was well qualified for the post.

“He is a capable and (a) worthy candidate. I am confident that he will strengthen the electoral system and promise free and fair elections to all political parties in Malaysia,” he said.

Earlier today, Chief Secretary to the Government Ismail Bakar announced Azhar’s appointment as the new EC chairman, saying that he possessed the right experience to helm the commission.

Azhar replaces Mohd Hashim Abdullah, who stepped down on July 1 after his tenure, which was suppose to end in August 2020, was shortened.

The new EC chairman holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in law from Universiti Malaya and King’s College, University of London, respectively.

The Kedah-born Azhar, who has 31 years’ experience as a lawyer, started his career at the Allen & Gledhill firm in 1987. He then went on to work for several prominent firms.

He is also a political commentator, writing articles and hosting shows on legal matters and current affairs. – September 21, 2018.

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Comments

  • Good shot, KJ.

    Posted 7 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • KJ....i am very sure you have better issues to confront on....Art is a man of class....unlike all of you ....I always thot u were smart....

    Posted 7 years ago by Hantoo Blacklord · Reply

  • Khairy has a point !!!!!!!. Absolutely correct . PH should not just roughshod and goes against what they were preaching when they were in the opposition.

    Posted 7 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

  • These are unusual times. Umno-BN & PAS MPs may waste time with unnecessary objections. Ok to bypass Parliament for now?..

    Posted 7 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

  • Hello KJ, where are the 1 million affordable houses UMNO promised us in 2013? Almost anyone would have done better than the last political appointee, Mohd Hashim Abdullah to EC. Art Harun is better by a mile.

    Posted 7 years ago by Roger 5201 · Reply

  • Kj is trying to tell umno that he made a better President than Zahid Komedi.

    Posted 7 years ago by Azis Yusoff · Reply

  • KJ when a govt break its own promises for the greater good of the people, in this Art case for speedy reforms, the people can accept all these broken promises. However, if a govt broke its promises for its own selfish agenda (plenty of examples in bn era) , then its bad and must be rejected. Again, you pick on technicality to score a brownie point.

    Posted 7 years ago by Msian First · Reply

  • Thats why small boy kJ has no support of his own saying he studies where...! Dont be blind by his words dont believe in him, your life will be much better. He is just a Malayu drama empty voice with recording in / out. Asking his father in law pak lah on the in / out. Hot and Cold Air.

    Posted 7 years ago by Danial Abdullah · Reply