Confidence vote to be tabled on Sept 7, says Saifuddin

Dewan Rakyat. -Bernama filepic

PETALING JAYA: The vote of confidence to test Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's parliamentary support as prime minister has been scheduled for Sept 7, says Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah.

According to Saifuddin, a notice has been issued by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun for the date for the vote.

"For now, that is the date and a notice has been issued by the Dewan Rakyat Speaker for it to be held on Sept 7," he said during a virtual press conference on Thursday (Aug 12).

Asked if the King had requested for a date earlier than Sept 7, Saifuddin refused to comment, saying he was bound by the oath of confidentiality.

"I will be committing an offence under the Official Secrets Act if I answer your question. Unfortunately, I will not be able to answer your question," added Saifuddin, who is the Bersatu MP for Indera Mahkota.

However, Saifuddin said Muhyiddin has emphasised the importance of holding the vote of confidence on Sept 7.

"In politics, everything is possible. I think Muhyiddin is cognisant of the importance of the vote, and he also understands that there are people who want this vote to be held earlier than September.

"As far as I'm concerned, the Speaker has issued the notice, it is Sept 7," he said.

On Wednesday (Aug 11), sources told The Star that in a pre-Cabinet audience earlier, the King had asked Muhyiddin to test his level of parliamentary support through a motion of confidence in a special Parliament sitting that must be held no later than September.