Kuala lumpur: Deputy president of the Ikatan Setiakawan Wartawan Malaysia-Indonesia (ISWAMI) Malaysia, Datuk Ahmad Zaini Kamaruzzaman, will serve as acting president effective Aug 1. ISWAMI Malaysia secretary-general Mohd Shukri Ishak stated that the appointment follows the resignation of Ashwad Ismail, who will step down as president on July 31.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the acting role will remain in effect until the association’s annual general meeting, expected to be held at the end of this year. During this meeting, the new leadership for the 2025-2027 term will be elected. ISWAMI Malaysia Council member Datuk Lichong Angkui proposed that the deputy president take on the role of acting president, a suggestion supported by ISWAMI Malaysia vice-president II Kamarudin Mape.

Mohd Shukri explained that clauses 8(vi), (vii), and (viii) of the ISWAMI Constitution dictate that if the president’s post becomes vacant, the deputy president shall assume the role in an acting capacity. He noted that the association respects Ashwad’s decision and expressed appreciation for his service, wishing him continued success.

Ashwad announced his resignation in line with his new responsibilities as a founding board member of the Malaysian Media Council, a role he will assume starting July 15.