KUALA LUMPUR: Former Election Commission chairman Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun was today selected as the new Dewan Rakyat Speaker, replacing Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof.
Ariff was removed through bloc voting earlier, despite protests from Opposition MPs who questioned the legitimacy of the motion submitted by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Deputy Speaker Datuk Rashid Hasnon introduced Azhar, who then took his oath of office – but he was drowned out by shouts from Opposition MPs who protested his appointment.
It was reported that Kedah-born Azhar, popularly known as Art, holds law degrees with honours from Universiti Malaya, and with merit from King's College London, and the University of London.
He began his legal career in 1987 at Allen & Gledhill and in 1992, he began working with KH Koh, Azhar & Koh.
He has also worked at several other renowned legal firms and has expertise in laws related to elections.