PM to go ahead with confidence vote despite 'clear majority'

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he would still go ahead with a vote of confidence for his leadership when Parliament convenes on Dec 19.

This was in response to Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh’s claims that a vote of confidence was not needed as it was clear Anwar had majority support.

“Yes, that is true. Ramkarpal interpreted this based on the Federal Constitution because there is a clear majority.

“However, I have discussed this earlier. We are of the opinion that this is not just about the requirements of the Federal Constitution.

“It’s also about legitimacy and political perception. Hence, we will continue with the confidence vote on Dec 19,” he told reporters after chairing his first Pakatan Harapan presidential council meeting since his premiership.

Earlier, Ramkarpal had said that a vote of confidence was only encouraged in instances where there are doubts as to whether a government has the majority support in Parliament.

He added it was better for the government to focus on other matters such as the tabling of the national budget instead of “wasting time” on a confidence vote that “serves no purpose”.

Anwar's decision to table a vote of confidence on Dec 19 is regarded as a risky move by some, as it could potentially lead to the newly minted prime minister losing his support - just 24 days after entering office.

He made the decision after Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin raised doubts over the number of support Anwar received.

PN chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin

However, BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stressed that BN would give its full support to Anwar, in line with the Agong's decree on the formation of this new government.

It is believed that Anwar has the backing of BN, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), with additional support from MPs in Muda, Warisan, Parti Bangsa Malaysia and several independents. - Mkini