KUALA LUMPUR: The government has decided who the next Election Commission (EC) chairman will be, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the person replacing Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Salleh as EC chairman will be appointed according to due process.

"We will follow the process and will need the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's consent for the appointment," said Anwar during a press conference after attending an event at Berjaya Times Square here on Sunday (May 26).

Abdul Ghani retired as the EC chairman on May 9, after four years helming the commission since August 2020.

On May 25, EC deputy chairman Azmi Sharom said the appointment process of EC commissioners and officers should be transparent as the current process is shrouded in secrecy and opaque practices.

Anwar said Azmi's concerns are understandable.

"We don't consult the EC deputy chairman (on appointments). We have to go through due process," added Anwar.

Electoral watchdog Bersih had previously urged Putrajaya to establish a parliamentary committee to revamp the appointment process of the EC chief post.

Under Article 114 of the Federal Constitution, the appointment of EC members, including its chairman, requires the consent of the King after consulting the Conference of Rulers.

Anwar also said Putrajaya would discuss the Dewan Negara president candidate with the unity government leadership.

"We will discuss this with the party and Sarawak leadership when I'm in Sarawak tomorrow (May 27)," he added.

On May 10, Dewan Negara president Datuk Mutang Tagal, 70, passed away at a hospital in Kuala Lumpur.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/26/govt-has-picked-new-ec-chairman-says-pm