'Opposition has right to suggest names for Deputy Speaker'

SHAH ALAM - Opposition members of the Selangor State Assembly have been given the opportunity to propose names for the position of Deputy Speaker. The final decision, however, rests entirely on the support received from the assembly members.

Former Selangor State Assembly Speaker Ng Suee Lim said that the opposition's input in suggesting candidates is a show of respect for the democratic process in the country.

"There are no issues (for the opposition submits the Speaker or Deputy Speaker candidate names), it's just whether they win or lose in the voting process," he said when contacted by Sinar today.

Ng who was the Local Government and Tourism exco said the appointment of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker post must be made during the State Assembly sitting according to the Selangor State Constitution 1959.

"The rules of the first meeting are the appointment of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker whose proposals (names) can be submitted and those with the majority are appointed to the post," he said.

He explained the unity government in Selangor suggested one name to be chosen as Speaker and Deputy Speaker based on the consensus that all Pakatan Harapan (PH) and BN Assemblymen.

"We placed one name for both posts and if a name from the oppositions were submitted, a vote would be made," he explained.

Sinar on Tuesday reported Selangor Perikatan Nasional (PN) will discuss the position of the Deputy Speaker for the State Assembly to be appointed from the opposition bloc.

Jeram Assemblyman Datuk Harrison Hassan said the opposition had the right to suggest any names that were eligible to take the post of Selangor State Assembly Deputy Speaker.