New Dewan Rakyat Speaker Calls For A Moment Of Silence For Batang Kali Victims

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Johari was Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's candidate for the new Speaker after Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun officially stepped down from the post yesterday, 18 December.

The nomination was also supported by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, reported New Straits Times.

Johari received 147 votes in today's parliament sitting, while the opposition candidate, Tan Sri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad, received 74 votes, according to Free Malaysia Today.

After he put on the Dewan Rakyat Speaker's robe, he thanked the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister for nominating him as the new Speaker.

He also thanked the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for the formation of the new government, and for the voters for carrying out their responsibilities during the 15th general election (GE15).

"On this occasion, I would like to express my sadness over the landslide in Batang Kali, Selangor, that has taken the lives of the people," said the Speaker.

"I hope family members of the victims can remain resilient and strong during this period. I, along with all MPs, send our condolences to all the affected families."

"I would also like to thank all parties involved in rescuing the victims, such as Fire and Rescue Department personnel and medical officers. With this, I would like to invite all MPs to rise and offer our prayers."

The entire august house then stood up and prayed in silence for about 20 seconds.

Today marks the fourth day of an ongoing search-and-rescue operation at the landslide in Batang Kali.

Nine individuals are still missing, while 24 individuals have been confirmed dead.