Ismail Sabri muttered ‘maybe we don’t need a confidence vote’, claims Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had apparently hinted to opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that he does not want the vote of confidence to be held in Parliament.

The Port Dickson MP claimed that after his meeting with the prime minister on August 25, Ismail whispered “maybe there is no need for a vote of confidence” to him.

“I told him (Ismail Sabri), this is not about need or don’t need, this is the decree of Yang di-Pertuan Agong that a confidence motion must be held as the first item on the agenda (before Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s opening decree).

“This is serious. We have to discuss this before we proceed with the agreement, which includes (matters involving) reformation and confidence and supply, that we are currently discussing,” he said.

Anwar was referring to the joint agreement signed by Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders and the prime minister on August 25.

He said this during a live webinar organised by United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) titled “Kebersamaan UPKO Dalam Perjuangan Pakatan Harapan (Upko’s Solidarity in Pakatan Harapan’s Fight)” this evening.

Anwar also pointed out that before the cabinet was formed, he, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng had voiced their views about previous cabinet members.

“But he (Ismail) gave the impression as if he could not do anything and had to keep the old ones (previous ministers).

“It showed as if he is sitting in the position because of political moves by other politicians, including former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

“This is a huge matter. The former ministers who were proven to have failed were retained.

“It seems that the system is only for one to stay in power, and does not care about the rakyat.

“Does this mean that PH will not support Ismail (Sabri) as prime minister in the coming confidence motion?” he questioned.

Lim, who was also present during the webinar also confirmed that PH is expected to have a meeting to discuss the matter.

He said he cannot give an answer if PH is going to support Ismail as the decision could change with time and circumstances.

Mohamad Sabu, however, said that for the time being, he is not going to vote for Ismail Sabri as he wants to see if he truly has the support of MPs in the ruling government. – The Vibes, September 3, 2021