PAS, BN rejects DAP's proposal for second deputy speaker post

Sabak state assemblyman, Sallehen Mukhyi said the current status of a speaker from DAP and a deputy from PAS is sufficient, online portal Malaysiakini reported.

“The need for a deputy speaker only arises when the state assembly meets. What we have now is already efficient. There is no need for a second deputy speaker post,” he was quoted by the portal.

He said the money to pay the second deputy speaker’s salary would be better off used for the people’s welfare.

Meanwhile, DUN Selangor Opposition leader Datuk Shamsudin Lias said asking for a second deputy speaker position proved that DAP is a greedy-for-power party.

Shamsudin who is also the Sungai Burong state assemblyman had also questioned the need for the position and said it was a waste of money.

“I would like to state here that DAP is greedy for power. They already have a speaker and now want a second deputy speaker. What else does it want,” he was quoted saying.

The issue of a second deputy speaker came up when DAP Selangor chairman Tony Pua expressed his desire to lobby for the position after PAS won the deputy speaker position through secret balloting last week.

Meanwhile, Seri Setia state assemblyman, Nik Nazmi Ahmad said the issue of a second deputy speaker was never discussed before this.

“The issue never came up because we had never discussed this. For now, let’s maintain what we have which is one deputy speaker,” he said.