'Can Perikatan Nasional last with just 111 MPs?'

After the Perikatan Nasional (PN)-led government barely managed to pass the Supply (Reallocation of Appropriated Expenditure) Bill 2020 at the Dewan Rakyat today, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim questioned whether such a government can last long.

He said the passage of the bill with support from exactly half of the MPs in the House raises questions about the government’s authority.

“Can the government last with just the support of 111 MPs, or will there be more episodes of bribery and threats with offers of positions of power?” he said.

Earlier today, the supply bill was passed with 111 MPs in favour and 106 MPs against it. Another five MPs were absent.

The five absent MPs were Maximus Ongkili (PBS-Kota Marudu), Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah (Umno-Gua Musang), Wilfred Madius Tangau (Upko-Tuaran), Shafie Apdal (Warisan-Semporna) and Christina Liew (Harapan-Tawau).

The bill sought RM7.18 billion in additional funds for the national budget and allows the government to restructure its finances to accommodate several new ministries and the dissolution of one, following the change of government in March.

Meanwhile, Anwar said Pakatan Harapan was satisfied with the reasons given for the absence of three of its MPs, which he said they were busy with preparations for the upcoming Sabah state election.

The Port Dickson MP added that the coalition will remain steadfast in speaking up for the people and finding ways to “restore the people’s mandate”. - Mkini