KUALA LUMPUR – Opposition attempts to unseat Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister by calling for a no-confidence vote in Parliament will most likely be unsuccessful, analysts said.
Universiti Malaya’s Assoc Prof Awang Azman Awang Pawi said Perikatan Nasional (PN) would not propose motions of the nature, as it would not bode well for the coalition’s reputation.
“No-confidence motions will not be made, as PN lacks numbers,” the political analyst told The Vibes.
If it does happen, it will only embarrass the coalition, who have not moved on.”
Instead, Awang Azman said PN will stick to playing on ethnic issues to get the attention of lawmakers.
“What’s important is they crave attention, though it’s expected that they will be off-radar during the Q&A session with Anwar.”
Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia geostrategist Prof Azmi Hassan raised similar points, saying that PN will be risk-averse due to a lack of support.
While Azmi agreed that the coalition might not propose a motion, he said it must still be moved to definitively put an end to the discourse and allow all lawmakers to focus on their duties.
If the coalition doesn’t propose a vote, then I think one of the backbenchers should,” he said.
“The government has the numbers (in terms of support). Maybe not (from all) 148 MPs (in unity government component parties), but way beyond a simple majority of 112 – and possibly beyond 126 MPs.”
Azmi explained about 30 to 40 MPs are required to cause a change in government. Nonetheless, he added that moving a no-confidence vote would not lead to much turmoil to the point Anwar is required to step down – due to the support received by the government during earlier parliamentary sittings.
Azmi said that the number of MPs in support of the first and second readings of a tabled bill can be gauged as support towards the bill itself, which indirectly showcases their support to the government.
Motion not needed if govt loses votes
However, Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Oh Ei Sun said a motion of no confidence might not even be necessary for the opposition to rise.
They (opposition) may or may not move a no-confidence motion, as they can topple the government even without such a motion,” he said.
“It simply takes the MPs declaring that they no longer support Anwar and support (Bersatu president) Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin or (PAS president) Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang instead,” he added.
Such circumstances could be possible if Anwar loses the people’s trust, which could be reflected in the upcoming state elections.
Should another “green wave” dominate the polls, Oh theorised it may lead to many Malay MPs declaring their support for the opposition, without triggering anti-hopping laws.
Previously, Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said talks of proposing the motion have never taken off due to “difficult technicalities” involving Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul.
Nonetheless, he seemed to hint that the idea has not been entirely dismissed by PN, as the coalition believes in a democratic parliamentary system.
However, Anwar expressed confidence that his government will remain through the full parliamentary term amid talk of its toppling. – The Vibes, May 21, 2023
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