KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Johari Abdul has been named as the new Dewan Rakyat Speaker through a secret ballot in the Lower House today.
Johari received 147 votes, defeating another contender for the post, former Kangar MP Tan Sri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad from Perikatan Nasional (PN) who received 74 votes.
Earlier, members of Parliament were told to choose a new speaker through a secret ballot since there were two names submitted for the post.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim earlier tabled a motion for Johari, a former Sungai Petani MP to be made the new speaker and this was seconded by his deputy Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Larut MP, who was recently named opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, proposed Mohd Radzi for the post. His motion was supported by Pas secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.
As soon as taking over the new post, Johari took an oath as the new Dewan Rakyat Speaker and addressed the House.
"I thank the Prime Minister and deputy prime minister who proposed for me to be chosen as the new speaker. I also thank all MPs for choosing me.
"This is a great honour to me and I promise to do my best to fulfil my duties. I believe my past experience as a diplomatic administrative officer, businessman, MP and assemblyman will help me in fulfilling this big responsibility.
"I hope to get the cooperation of all MPs. Use this House as a platform to provide constructive criticisms and make thoughtful opinions. Make national interest a priority and avoid using this House as a place to play politics," Johari said.
In his speech, he also expressed sadness over the Batang Kali landslide incident, calling on all MPs to offer their prayers to the victims and their family members.
Rumour has been rife recently saying Johari would be made the new Dewan Rakyat speaker after he recently sent a letter to the Kedah state assembly speaker Datuk Juhari Bulat informing his intention of resigning as Gurun assemblyman on Dec 13.
He won the Gurun state seat in 2018 with a 4,207 majority vote, defeating three other contenders.
He was the Sungai Petani MP for three terms but did not contest in GE15.
On October 31, Johari was named the new Kedah state assembly opposition leader after his predecessor Datuk Phahrolrazi Mohd Zawawi was sacked from Amanah.