KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA — The motion of confidence for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was passed in Malaysia Parliament today (19 December), further cementing his position as PM to lead Unity Government formed by several political coalitions.
“More voices have agreed, hence the motion has been passed,” Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul announced that the motion was passed through a voice vote.
Members of Parliaments from the ruling coalitions, including from Barisan National (BN), Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Pakatan Harapan(PH) had backed the motion, stressing that it is important for the country’s political stability and boost foreign investors’ confidence to the economy.
While there was a brief fiery moment earlier in the Parliament when MPs from Perikatan National (PN) MPs led by led by Muhyiddin Yassin questioned whether necessary for the motion to be tabled and voiced their discontent toward the confidence vote.
They condemned that MoU signed by Anwar’s coalitions was illegal and against the parliamentary democracy.
Nevertheless, the Parliament eventually passed the confidence vote to Anwar after the conclusion of two hours of debate.
Opposition Leader: confidence vote merely a “gimmick”
Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, the newly elected opposition leader in the House, lambasted the confidence vote motion tabled by Unity Government, claiming that it is merely a “gimmick”.
Referring to MoU signed by PH, BN, and political leaders from Sabah and Sarawak, Hamzah Zainudin criticised the MoU threatening parliamentary democracy as it demanded all MPs in the unity government to vote in accordance with the direction of the PM.
He said the MoU was “invalid and illegal”, adding that: “It goes against the basic principle of parliamentary democracy as guaranteed under the Federal Constitution and the laws of Malaysia.”
Hamzah expressed his worry that the MoU would curtail the freedom of expression of fellow MPs, and what more freedom of the people would be affected under the Unity Government.
Former 2nd finance minister: Confidence vote crucial for economy
Johari Ghani, former second finance minister, defended that the confidence vote is necessary to ensure the government serves a full term and is given the opportunity to elevate the country’s economy.
He stressed that political stability will attract greater foreign direct investment (FDI).
“In the past four years, we have wasted time with three prime ministers and have fallen behind our regional neighbours.”
Johari warned that Malaysia would risk falling further behind other ASEAN countries in terms of economic development if politicking continues in Malaysia.
He added that fate like Sri Lanka, which suffered a national bankruptcy earlier this year, could await Malaysia if it failed to improve its economy.
After the conclusion of Malaysia’s 15th General Election last month, a Parliament session was held for the first time today to elect a new Speaker, and a confidence vote motion was brought forth by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Fadillah reiterated appreciation to Malaysia King for their consent to Anwar’s appointment as Prime Minister.
“The Unity Government pledges with full commitment to continue to stabilise the political climate, prosper the economy, unite all Malaysians of multiple races, and uplift Malaysia’s dignity in the eyes of the world,” Fadillah stressed.
Following the conclusion of the Malaysia 15th General Election (GE15), PH led by Anwar, garnered 82 parliamentary seats, while PN led by Muhyiddin Yassin, gained 73 seats.
As none of the major political coalitions achieved a simple majority, PH, BN (30 seats), along with coalitions in Sabah and Sarawak — GPS (23 seats), GRS (6 seats ) and Warisan (3 seats) agreed to form a unity government, adhered to Malaysia King’s decree.
