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The government has nominated Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan as its sole candidate for the Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker position
When Malaysiakini contacted Padang Rengas member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz for confirmation, he said, “Yes, confirmed.”
However, it is worth noting that Ahmad is currently standing trial for money laundering and providing a false statement to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)
Image via Mohd Izwan Mohd Nazam/The Edge Markets
According to Free Malaysia Today, he had on 24 August claimed trial to the charges pressed against him for failing to declare some RM2 million he received from former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak to the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).
He also pleaded not guilty for giving a false statement when he was questioned by to MACC officer Mohd Zairi Zainal on 4 July 2019.
Perak opposition leader Dr Abdul Aziz Bari slammed Ahmad’s nomination, saying appointing someone from the ‘court cluster’ will make Parliament a joke at home and abroad
The ‘court cluster’ refers to a group of UMNO MPs who are currently facing trials for their alleged corruption crimes.
According to Abdul Aziz, Ahmad should have to clear his name first through legal process before getting such an important position and role in Parliament, reported Utusan Malaysia.
“Besides that, in the current Parliament there are still many other candidates who are suitable for the position in question,” said the Perak DAP vice-chairperson.
“Appointing a person who is from the ‘court cluster’ will definitely make Parliament a joke at home and abroad.”
Perak opposition leader Dr Abdul Aziz Bari.
Image via Farhan Najib/Malay Mail
Batu Gajah MP V Sivakumar also echoed the same, saying it is “shocking” that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri has reportedly nominated someone who is currently accused of money laundering as the Deputy Speaker candidate.
“Ahmad’s nomination not only does not augur well for our Parliament institution but it is also an open assault on the institution’s reputation,” Malaysiakini quoted him as saying.
“It is also worthy to note whether former prime minister Muhyiddin and his Bersatu party, who have vowed not to work with the kleptocrat, will instead breach their promise by voting for Ahmad when the motion comes up for voting on 14 September.”
Sivakumar urges all MPs to reject “a candidate with a tainted record”.