KUALA LUMPUR – Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his bewilderment that Attorney-General Tan Sri Idrus Harun would recommend that the Dewan Rakyat not hold a confidence vote for the prime minister, given that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong advocated for it.
The PKR president said he finds it “baffling” that Idrus is against holding the vote as he appeared to have agreed with Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah in prior meetings with political leaders.
“The Agong had insisted that all leaders must have the togetherness although the ‘winner’ (for the prime minister post) would have a slim majority, and everyone agreed.
“Secondly, the Agong said the leaders must give cooperation and hold a confidence vote. The deputy Agong Tuanku (Sultan) Nazrin (Muizzuddin Shah) – in supporting the views of the Agong – said this must be the prime agenda and everyone agreed.”
Anwar said in a video posted on his Facebook page yesterday evening in which he appeared in a special interview with veteran actor and producer Datuk Afdlin Shauki Aksan, who joined PKR in April.
Afdlin, who is PETRA Media chief executive, had quizzed Anwar on his thoughts about an apparent U-turn by the government on the need to hold a confidence vote.
Anwar said following the meetings with the political leaders, Istana Negara had issued a statement saying the vote must be carried out.
“But out of nowhere, there was a statement by the attorney-general – (seemingly) to uphold the Yang di-Pertuan Agong – (saying) there was no need for the confidence vote. What is this?
“By national convention, and all commonwealth countries, after an election, there’s a new mandate, and in between that, whoever is replacing (the previous government) must hold a confidence vote.”
He said former prime ministers, such as Tun Hussein Onn and Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, had held confidence votes after assuming office, unlike immediate ex-prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Anwar, who is also Port Dickson MP, said Ismail Sabri has yet to show any sign he intends to call for the vote, based on the recent meeting the prime minister held with the Pakatan Harapan presidential council.
“I gave him (Ismail Sabri) advice to do so and, more importantly, this abides by the federal constitution and to determine his legitimacy. The opposition will facilitate it.”
When Afdlin asked why Ismail Sabri appeared to be reluctant to hold the vote despite the Agong’s decree on the matter, Anwar said he believes the prime minister and his supporters are fearful.
“They are afraid (of voting) among themselves. We (opposition) said we can support him.”
However, Anwar thanked Ismail Sabri for extending an olive branch to the opposition by holding a meeting with them.
“It was a good start (to Ismail Sabri’s administration).” – The Vibes, September 7, 2021
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