Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said has officially resigned as Deputy Speak of Parliament on Monday, August 23.

Azalina said due to the newly elected Prime Minister and the public demands for multiparty cooperation, she resigned so that the government and opposition can reset the Parliament.

She added that the august house needs to function as the forum for professional competition and collaboration between Parties on policies and governance.

In her Facebook post, she mentioned several reasons for her resignation. As a Supreme Council member for UMNO, there are contrasting responsibilities while appointed as a Deputy Speaker.

She advised that the future Speaker and Deputy Speaker should not be holding any party positions to ensure political unbiasedness.

The Pengerang MP confessed that there were limitations when she was exercising her responsibilities without compromising her professional integrity.

Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun has now requested that all Members of Parliament nominate a candidate for the vacant position.

The Parliament speaker said Any Member of Parliament may nominate a candidate. All MPs have been informed of this today by the Dewan Rakyat Secretary.

Azhar added that if there is more than one nominee, there will be a vote by ballot without debate.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong will then officially appoint the Deputy Speaker in the first Parliament sitting.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE