Denying Dr M’s claim, Pandikar says still Speaker

(Malay Mail Online) – Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia has denied Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s claim that he has quit his post, insisting tonight he is still Dewan Rakyat Speaker.

National News Agency Bernama quoted him as saying he will assume his official duties when Parliament convenes this May 18.

“I will be chairing the swearing-in ceremony of the members of the Dewan Rakyat and two new MPs from Rompin (Datuk Hasan Arifin) and Permatang Pauh (Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail) as well as proceedings which have been set for May 18,” Pandikar was quoted saying.

Earlier today, Dr Mahathir claimed that Pandikar has quit as Dewan Rakyat Speaker and that his duties will be undertaken by his deputy.

“He (Pandikar) came to see me. He said he does not want to carry on, so now the speaker is his deputy,” The Malaysian Insider quoted Dr Mahathir as saying in an event in Ipoh.