Art Harun is new EC chairman

(The Star) – Lawyer Azhar Harun or better known as Art Harun has been appointed the new chairman of the Election Commission.

Chief Secretary to the Government, Datuk Seri Ismail Bakar, said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had agreed to Azhar’s appointment in line with Article 3 (114) of the Federal Constitution.

The 56-year-old Kedahan, who has a big online following, studied law at Universiti Malaya and King’s College in London.

When contacted, Azhar said he was honoured to be entrusted with the position and viewed it as a responsibility that he had to perform according to the law and the oath he would be taking.

“That trust has to be performed well.

“Of course, there will be challenges, but I look forward to performing the trust the best I can. I will give my best,” he said when contacted.

Azhar said there were some things he would like to achieve with the commission, but it was too early to go into details at the moment.

Meanwhile Ismail said Azhar, who started practising law in 1987 with Allen & Gledhill before moving on to several other law firms, possessed expertise in electoral laws.

“With his qualifications and experience, I believe he will be able to carry out his duty, obligations and responsibilities as EC chairman in line with the requirements of the Federal Constitution,” he said.