The government has appointed Azhar Azizan@Harun (above), better known as Art Harun, a veteran lawyer, as the new Election Commission chairperson.

A statement issued today by chief secretary to the government Ismail Bakar said Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V has given his consent to Azhar's appointment.

Ismail said the appointment was made in accordance to Article 3 (114) of the Federal Constitution.

Azhar is filling the seat made vacant by Mohd Hashim Abdullah, who opted for early retirement in July.

According to the statement, Azhar, who will turn 56 next month, holds a master's from King's College, University of London.

Prior to that, he did his bachelor’s degree at Universiti Malaya.

Azhar started his career as a lawyer in 1987 and had worked for several prominent law firms in the country with special expertise in laws pertaining to elections.

"With his credentials and experience, I am confident that he will be able to carry out his duties and responsibilities as the chairperson of EC and as stipulated by the Federal Constitution," Ismail said in his statement.