KUALA LUMPUR (July 13): Newly-minted Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Harun, better known as Art Harun, said there was no need for a voting process to pick a new speaker, as there were no other nominees put forward.

During his inaugural press conference as the speaker today, he said the Standing Order states that a vote is not required if there is only one candidate for the position, adding that the opposition did not put forward any candidate.

He further said that there was no need for a notice to be issued to prompt the opposition to name another nominee.

"I don't want to delve deeply into that outside of Parliament. I don't think it is proper because a ruling has already been made," he said, responding to questions from reporters.

He was also asked if he regretted taking up the job and "entering the zoo" as one journalist put it.

"That is not a zoo. That is the Dewan Rakyat," he said.

Azhar later added that he decided to take the job, which was offered to him by the government, as it was an honour for him and his family.

"It is a challenge and it is a way for me to serve the nation," he said.

Meanwhile, on the alleged racist-turned-sexist remark made by Baling MP Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Rahim, he pointed out that the MP had quickly apologised and withdrawn his remark.

Abdul Azeez had earlier caused a a commotion in the Dewan Rakyat when he remarked that Batu Kawan MP Kasthuriraani Patto had skin “so dark cannot see”, and later suggested that dark-skinned women should put on powder. He later insisted that the remark was not aimed at Batu Kawan.

Asked whether Langkawi MP Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's motion for a no confidence vote would be possible, Azhar pointed out that his predecessor had put the motion as the 27th on the list.

"I do not have the power to move it further up in the list. We will move the motion when we get there," he said.

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