Dr M Wants A No-Confidence Vote Against Muhyiddin — But Has No Support From His Own Party
Meanwhile, Anwar Ibrahim has been named as the new opposition leader in Dewan Rakyat.
By Sadho Ram — 08 May 2020, 12:39 PM — Updated over 4 years ago
Editor's Note: This story has been updated with the latest information with regards to the Dewan Rakyat Speaker accepting Dr Mahathir's motion to table a no-confidence vote against Muhyiddin.
Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad wants a no-confidence motion against his successor, Muhyiddin Yassin, in Parliament when it convenes for its first sitting of the year for a single day on 18 May
In a letter dated 4 May, which has been sighted by SAYS, Dr Mahathir writes to the Dewan Rakyat Speaker, Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof, seeking to table the no-confidence motion in the parliament.
Dr Mahathir's letter came to light after Sabah Chief Minister Shafie Apdal had sent a similar letter to Ariff seeking a motion of confidence in Dr Mahathir, which then circulated in social media.
However, Ariff has rejected the motion, stating that it is inconsistent with Article 43 of the Constitution as it contravenes the authority of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA) to appoint the prime minister.
"Therefore, I will not allow the motion to be brought to the sitting," the Dewan Rakyat Speaker said in a letter responding to Shafie's motion. Both the letters have been sighted by SAYS.
Additionally, the Sabah CM confirmed the authenticity of his letter with New Straits Times.
He, however, declined to elaborate, saying "just wait when the time comes for the sitting".
The Speaker has since accepted Dr Mahathir submission for a motion
"(The House will) table a resolution to decide that Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, the Pagoh MP, does not command the support of the majority members of Parliament," reads the motion.
It is not clear if the motion will eventually be debated.
According to Standing Order 15(1), government business will be given priority over private member business.
However, while Dr Mahathir seeks a no-confidence vote against Muhyiddin, his own party, Bersatu, is not behind him on this move
Bersatu has warned that it will sack members who do not toe the party line.
In a statement on Thursday, 7 May, Bersatu's information chief Radzi Jidin said all members must also support the party's official stand which had been decided collectively.
"I wish to remind members who disobey (the leadership), including intentionally joining other coalitions which oppose the party, that they will have their membership revoked immediately," said Radzi.
According to Radzi, Dr Mahathir has no power to sign any joint statement with Pakatan Harapan and Parti Warisan Sabah and that the action of the former prime minister was not in line with the party's stand.
Dr Mahathir is the founding chairman of the party while Muhyiddin is its president.
In the midst of all this, the Pakatan Harapan coalition has named Anwar Ibrahim as the new opposition leader in Dewan Rakyat
Anwar, who was previously the opposition leader between 26 June 2013 to 16 March 2015, said that parties, including a faction from Bersatu and Parti Warisan Sabah, have been informed of the decision.
"Pakatan Harapan secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has informed the Speaker of the decision of the presidential council," the PKR president said yesterday, as reported by New Straits Times.
Dewan Rakyat secretary Riduan Rahmat had already stated that in the one-day sitting on 18 May, no questions or motions will be accepted
The Parliament will open at 10am with the Agong delivering the Royal Address and end with discussions on only government bills and business related to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
"There will be no oral question sessions, written questions, motions, and special chambers," Riduan said.
The second Parliamentary sitting of the year is scheduled for 13 July.
According to a notice issued on the official website, it will last for 25 days until 27 August.
