Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin cleared a hurdle when he won the vote to remove Dewan Rakyat (Malaysian Parliament) Speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof today (July 13), reported The Malaysian Insight.

Muhyiddin won the vote with 111 in favour of the motion and 109 against. One Member of Parliament was absent, while Deputy Speaker Rashid Hasnon abstained, as he was the presiding speaker.

There have been doubts over Muhyiddin's majority since he was sworn in on March 1. Five members from his own party (Bersatu), including former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, were against his nomination as Prime Minister.

Mahathir had previously sought a motion of no confidence against Muhyiddin.

Following the decision, Deputy Speaker Nga Kor Ming announced his immediate resignation from his post, according to The Star.

He said: "In solidarity with Mohamad Ariff, I serve the Government which was chosen by the people...I hereby announce that I resign my post with immediate effect as a matter of honour and principle."

New Speaker

Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun, better known as Art Harun, was appointed as the new Speaker of Parliament despite criticism from the opposition. Azhar recently resigned as the chairman of the Election Commission.

Azalina Othman Said was appointed to replace Nga as Deputy Speaker.

According to the New Straits Times, Azhar said he had no regrets accepting the position, despite the criticism.

Azhar said: "That's not a zoo. That's our Dewan. This was a good experience for me and we learn from experience, so no [regrets]."

Top image from Muhyiddin Yassin Facebook.