Netizens laud PM’s reform pledge, but calls persist for confidence vote

KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s announcement on a slew of institutional reforms, similar to those promised by his predecessor Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, has drawn praise mixed with caution from Malaysian social media users.

Netizens noted that Ismail Sabri’s offer is different from that made by Muhyiddin in the latter’s last days in office.

Ismail Sabri’s reforms are not promised in exchange for bipartisan support, especially in a vote of confidence, to ensure he stays in power, they said.

There are indications that a vote of confidence on his leadership, although decreed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, will not take place as it is not contained in the Dewan Rakyat order paper.

Ismail Sabri’s promises for an anti-party-hopping law; the implementation of Undi18, which lowers the voting age from 21 to 18; and, the limiting of the prime minister’s tenure to 10 years, among others, were welcomed by Malaysians on social media.

“It took @IsmailSabri60 way less than 22 months to implement reform for the nation... I’m glad that we are heading in the right direction,” tweeted @afiqamani91.

It took @IsmailSabri60 way less thn 22 months to implement reform for the nation. Im glad that we are heading in the right direction. https://t.co/vsJHkKTXli

— Afiq Amani Annuar (@afiqamani91) September 10, 2021

Another Twitter user congratulated the prime minister for reviving Muhyiddin’s offer, but stressed that the Malaysian political system needs to focus more on being “multi-partisan” so as to make the nation stronger and more mature.

@IsmailSabri60 very good move DSIS...looks like you are continuing TSMY's offer...we must start to reform our political system to a more multi partisan to become more mature and stronger Malaysia..

— Noordin (@Noordin78410341) August 26, 2021

However, there are those who, while praising Ismail Sabri, reminded him of his duty to the Agong to have a confidence motion tabled.

The parliamentary reforms offered by Ismail Sabri are a smokescreen to stop us from talking about this government’s refusal to conduct a confidence vote, effectively depriving the parliament of one of its core functions.

Consider them, but keep pushing for a confidence vote!

— Afiq H. ? (@A_HxrrxzThe1st) September 10, 2021

A Twitter user cautioned that the reforms being bandied about by Ismail Sabri are part of a smokescreen meant to divert criticism over the absence of a vote of confidence from the Dewan Rakyat order paper.

“Consider them, but keep pushing for a confidence vote!” said @A_HxrrxzThe1st.

Hello. @IsmailSabri60
Usul undi percaya terhadap hang mana?, letak @SPRMMalaysia
Dibawah Parliament mana, Dan tubuh IPCMC Dan perkasakan @FOPDRM
Mana?
PM umum 7 tawaran Transformasi Parlimen dan Pentadbiran Kerajaan, wujud landskap politik baharu https://t.co/VmUktzRhkE

— Kamzam (@Kamzam08477773) September 10, 2021

“Where is the confidence vote? Where is the pledge to place the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission under Parliament, and the establishment of IPCMC (Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission)?” said @Kamzam08477773. – The Vibes, September 11, 2021