Motion of confidence for PM passed in Dewan Rakyat

KUALA LUMPUR: The motion of confidence for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership was passed in the Dewan Rakyat with a voice vote on Monday (Dec 19).

"More voices have agreed, hence the motion has been passed," Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul who presided over the sitting said after the vote.

More than 10 debaters from both sides of the political divide had participated in the debate of the motion which was tabled by deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof earlier on Monday.

While tabling the motion in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday, Fadillah (GPS-Petrajaya) said it was important for the unity government under Anwar’s premiership to secure the confidence of lawmakers in view of the projected economic downturn in 2023.

"This will strengthen the confidence of investors, the business community and the people," he said while adding that the support obtained would allow the unity government to render the best service to the people.

"Hence, with the leadership of the tenth Prime Minister and his unity, the government must be supported for the success of the country and the welfare of the people," he added.

In his first press conference after being sworn in as Prime Minister of the unity government last month, Anwar said a special sitting would be called for the motion to be tabled in Parliament to test the support his government commands in the August House.

"Right now, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has challenged our strength, which he does not need to do, because I’m not a prime minister like him.

“In fact, I have asked Pakatan Harapan to propose a vote of confidence on the first day of parliament," said Anwar during a press conference at a golf course in Sungai Long on Thursday (Nov 24).

Not many prime ministers had gone through a confidence motion in the House except for two.

Tun Hussein Onn who went through a vote of confidence during an emergency parliamentary sitting in 1976, merely days after taking over the mantle following the death of his predecessor Tun Abdul Razak.

Tun Hussein did not only take on the role of Prime Minister but also assumed the Finance, Defence, Coordination of Public Corporations portfolios.

The motion was proposed by then Barisan Nasional Senator, Wan Ibrahim, instead of the premier himself.

The country’s third prime minister successfully secured the confidence of the House, 46 years ago.

Meanwhile, in 2003 Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi faced a confidence motion on Nov 3, 2003 after being sworn in as prime minister on Oct 31, 2003.

The motion was moved by then Shah Alam MP Datuk Seri Mohd. Zin Mohamed was passed by the Dewan Rakyat.