Anwar’s MoU shows lack of confidence, says Muhyiddin

 

Muhyiddin Yassin (right) said all MPs should be free to decide on how to vote on the confidence motion against Anwar Ibrahim and not be threatened by such strong-armed threats as contained in the MoU.

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s move to strike a deal with his coalition partners ahead of a confidence vote on Monday shows he is not convinced of his majority in Parliament, says Muhyiddin Yassin.

The Perikatan Nasional chief said the inked memorandum of understanding (MoU) might also be illegal as MPs tied to the deal risked losing their seats if they did not support Anwar.

He said at present, only the anti-hopping law disqualifies one from being an MP, adding that those not supporting a confidence vote should not lose their seats.

Muhyiddin said the law only affects those who switched allegiance on their own or those sacked from the party following disciplinary issues.

“I feel that the prime minister does not feel confident ahead of the confidence motion,” he was quoted as saying by Utusan Malaysia.

Muhyiddin said by right, all MPs should be free to vote and not be threatened by such strong-armed threats as contained in the MoU.

According to the MoU signed by the five political coalitions in the unity government, any MP who fails to toe the line, as set by his or her party, and instead votes against the prime minister or the government will be deemed to have resigned as an MP.

It states that the MP’s seat would essentially be vacated, citing Article 49A(1) of the Federal Constitution.

Meanwhile, Muhyiddin said the PN Supreme Council will meet tomorrow to discuss their stand on the confidence vote.

He said although most of them would not support the vote, the leadership will not force its MPs to vote according to the coalition’s stand. - FMT