KUALA LUMPUR – Newly minted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob should confirm his majority in Parliament as soon as possible to avoid his legitimacy from being questioned, said Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Rais Yatim.
He said this must be done despite the submission of statutory declarations.
“While some say this is unnecessary, it is good procedural practice to confirm the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decision in Parliament. The matter cannot be put to rest if you do not follow His Majesty’s decree,” Rais told Utusan Malaysia.
Parliament is also waiting for the prime minister to announce the dates for both Houses to convene, he added.
“Earlier, the reconvening was scheduled to start on September 6 and sit for two weeks. Now, it is up to the new government whether to change the schedule. If there is a change, it should not be too far from the original date.
“I trust that once a new cabinet is announced, the minister in charge of Parliament affairs will look into this.”
After Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin resigned last week, Ismail Sabri was sworn in on Saturday.
Among his first major decisions now is to appoint the new cabinet. He also faces a vote of confidence in Parliament, as decreed by the Agong.
Prior to the recent appointment, the Agong had ordered that whoever takes over the top job must be a bridge between the two benches in Parliament.
His Majesty reiterated this in a statement announcing the appointment of Ismail Sabri, saying he hopes that all MPs will set aside their political differences and unite to combat the Covid-19 pandemic in the best interests of the nation and its people. – The Vibes, August 23, 2021
