CAMERON Highlands Member of Parliament Datuk Ramli Mohd Noor has been nominated by Umno to fill the vacant Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker post.

       Ramli’s candidacy had been agreed upon by Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who is Umno vice-president.

       “This is historic as the first candidate from the Orang Asli community,” said Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan on Twitter.

       Ahmad, who is Pontian MP, said yesterday was the deadline to submit names of candidates before Parliament resumes on Oct 25.

       The post fell vacant in August following the resignation of Pengerang MP Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

       The other Deputy Speaker is Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon.

       Umno had nominated Ahmad for the post but he withdrew on Oct 7.

       “I discussed this with the Umno president, Prime Minister and other party leaders on Oct 6 and informed them of my decision to withdraw as a candidate for the post.

       “I withdrew my candidacy so I would be able to devote more time to party matters,” he said.

       Teluk Intan MP Nga Kor Ming was also nominated as a candidate.