Anwar says confidence vote will allow him to lead effectively

 

A confidence motion on Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership is the eighth item on the Dewan Rakyat’s agenda in its first session next week.

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today a confidence vote will allow him to lead the country effectively with a clear mandate, even though such a vote is not required as he already has a clear majority in the Dewan Rakyat.

He said the matter was clarified during his recent audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.

“From a legal aspect, it isn’t needed. The attorney-general (AG) has also said that it is not needed because of the clear majority and the powers of the King are also clear.

“The King took the views of the AG into consideration and asked whether I felt a vote of confidence was needed as there was a clear total as well as declarations from Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN), Gabungan Parti Sarawak, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and several other smaller parties.

“I replied: Ampun Tuanku, this is not only about regulations and law. The matter has been brought up and I would like to lead the country with a clear mandate, the support of the majority of MPs. I am confident of obtaining it. If I can’t, then I will accept the will of the people,” he said.

He made the remarks during his speech at a gathering with Muslim preachers, which was also attended by religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar.

Anwar said the King, along with the other rulers, also played a role according to the Federal Constitution in resolving the uncertainty following the 15th general election.

He said they had stated that they did not dispute that whichever party had the most seats would be given priority and the mandate to govern the country.

“Then there were some efforts to obtain statutory declarations (SDs) and this occurred within the period set by the King, which was until 2pm. So, the final total obtained was decided by this deadline.

“As in any race, one can overtake us at the first turn but we can cut him off at the third turn. What’s important is the finish line. It’s obvious I obtained the bigger total because those who provided their SDs previously withdrew before 2pm,” Anwar explained.

Anwar said he chose to explain the situation after being asked by the King to avoid any confusion among Malaysians, especially in matters that could affect the standing of the rulers.

The confidence motion on Anwar’s leadership will be the eighth item on the agenda of the Dewan Rakyat’s first session scheduled for two days from Dec 19. - FMT