Why did Azalina Othman Said resign as Deputy Speaker?

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Azalina Othman Said Resigned as Deputy Speaker to Foster Impartiality and Create Space for Reform

Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said has resigned from her position as Deputy Speaker of Parliament, citing difficulties in performing the role without bias and a desire to facilitate broader parliamentary reform. Her resignation, which follows 13 months in the role, aims to provide greater room for the government and the opposition to reset the Dewan Rakyat and encourage multiparty cooperation on policy and governance.
Challenges with Impartiality and Consultation

Azalina Othman Said acknowledged struggling to execute her duties as Deputy Speaker without compromising her professional integrity, particularly concerning political impartiality. She noted a perceived lack of consultation and joint decision-making processes within the parliamentary framework, which she felt impacted her performance. These reflections stemmed from developments over the past 17 months, leading her to consider institutional defects within parliamentary practices.
Suggestion for Future Parliamentary Leadership

To address the challenges of maintaining political impartiality in leadership roles, Azalina Othman Said proposed that future Speakers and Deputy Speakers of the Lower House be suspended from all political party posts. This measure, she suggested, would allow them to function more effectively, free from political influence and favouritism, thereby upholding a key feature of the office.
Creating Space for New Faces and Resetting Parliament

Beyond personal reflections, Azalina Othman Said also expressed a wish to vacate her seat to make way for new faces in Parliament. Her resignation is intended to create an opportunity for the government and the opposition to reset the Dewan Rakyat. This reset, she hopes, will enable the Parliament to function more effectively as a forum for professional competition and collaboration on policies and governance, especially following the appointment of a new prime minister.
Commitment to Supporting Parliamentary Reforms

Despite her resignation from the Deputy Speaker role, Azalina Othman Said affirmed her commitment to supporting future reforms. She stated that she would back any initiatives for reform that the government and the Opposition collectively decide to pursue. Her service as Deputy Speaker for the past 13 months, since her appointment in July of the previous year as the Dewan Rakyat's first female Deputy Speaker, has been described as a great honour and privilege.

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Why did Azalina Othman Said resign as Deputy Speaker?

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