Good move for Anwar to secure vote of confidence

NEWLY-MINTED Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that when Parliament convenes on Dec 19, the first item on the agenda would be to seek a vote of confidence to prove he enjoyed support and legitimacy.

This is the correct move and will be applauded by all Malaysians who respect the style and substance of parliamentary democracy.

At the moment, the majority that Anwar supposedly enjoys has not been established as a fact. There are doubters, especially among Perikatan Nasional leaders and their supporters who think this is just an empty boast.

The Perikatan chairman had claimed to have the support of 115 members of Parliament. If this is true, that leaves 107 MPs for Anwar, which is not even a simple majority!

Anwar’s claim to having the two-third majority may sound hollow to Perikatan because the parties from Sabah and Sarawak were dithering and leaning towards it, but finally decided to join the unity government.

This is why MPs from these states need to openly show their support in a formal vote of confidence. That would be binding and put a stop to the quibbling about numbers.

After this support is established, Anwar’s position will not only be legitimised, but it will be also strengthened beyond question and he will be free to do whatever is necessary to ensure the economic and social progress of our nation.

It is not unknown for some past leaders to habitually claim being misquoted by the media when their statements subsequently draw adverse comments. So, let us just straighten the record to prevent later claims of being misquoted when it is convenient for someone’s cause.

We are confident that Anwar will serve the nation with verve, dedication and devotion for the good of the country.

P. RAMAKRISHNAN

Former president of Aliran