Govt has ‘identified’ new EC chairman, says Anwar

The Election Commission chairman position has been left vacant after Abdul Ghani Salleh retired on May 9.

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government has identified the candidate to be the new Election Commission (EC) chairman.

The post was left vacant when Abdul Ghani Salleh retired on May 9 after he turned 66.

“Already,” Anwar said, when asked if a candidate has been identified. “But the individual will have to go through the process and get the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.”

He was asked to comment on who will replace Ghani as the EC chairman after visiting the Postnormal Times Madani Exhibition here today.

However, he did not identify the person.

Yesterday, EC deputy chairman Azmi Sharom said it is “business as usual” for the electoral body despite the post falling vacant since early May.

He said EC has “very experienced” commissioners and staff members, and is prepared to hold elections, like the one coming up in Sungai Bakap, whose assemblyman, Nor Zamri Latiff, died on Friday.

To another question on who will replace the late Mutang Tagal as the Senate president, Anwar said he will meet the leaders of Sarawakian parties tomorrow.

Amir Hamzah will explain targeted diesel subsidies

Anwar also said second finance minister Amir Hamzah Azizan will provide a detailed explanation soon on matters related to targeted diesel subsidies.

Last week, the Cabinet agreed to implement targeted diesel subsidies for consumers in the peninsula.

Meanwhile, Anwar told opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin that he (Anwar) also goes to the market and stalls to check the prices of goods.

“I asked them (traders) about the prices of goods.

“I think he (Hamzah) wanted to avoid questions that his party is ‘supporting’ rich ‘towkays’ (bosses) and foreigners,” he said.

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