November 25, 2022
KUALA LUMPUR – The parliamentary support of the government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be tested when the Dewan Rakyat’s new session commences on Dec 19.
According to Anwar, the first order of the Dec 19 sitting would be tabling a motion on holding a confidence vote by MPs.
“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).
Anwar said he will lead a new unity government comprising Barisan Nasional, Pakatan and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) as the largest coalitions.
“We have crossed 130 or 140 seats. I don’t think it’s a problem of stability, what we need is to ensure that national unity transcends beyond coalitions,” added Anwar.
Anwar also said two deputy prime ministers from the Bornean states and Peninsular Malaysia will be considered.
“Because the biggest component in Sabah and Sarawak is GPS, therefore we will consider,” added Anwar.
At the same time, Anwar said he is prepared to welcome other coalitions to cooperate in the unity government, including leaders from Perikatan.
“As the Prime Minister of all Malaysians representing all races, I am ready to receive participation of other parties in uniting this country, including those from Perikatan, even though the earlier statement by Muhyiddin isn’t encouraging,” added Anwar
Anwar also said a new federal budget will be tabled by the government in the new parliament session, possibly next year.
“Of course, we have to clear emoluments (for the civil service on Dec 19), so that our public servants don’t have to worry.
“In another month or so, we will table a new or revised budget,” said Anwar.
Anwar also reiterated that to instil public confidence, he will not draw a salary as a prime minister.
“I will not draw a salary as a prime minister,” added Anwar.
At 5pm Thursday (Nov 24), Anwar was sworn in as the 10th Prime Minister before Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Istana Negara.
Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Anwar must prove that he has the majority support of MPs to become the prime minister.
Muhyiddin insisted that he had 115 statutory declarations (SDs) from MPs backing him as the premier.
After GE15 concluded last Saturday (Nov 19), no party was able to secure a simple majority to form the new Federal Government, resulting in a political impasse.
Pakatan garnered 82 seats, Perikatan won 73 and Barisan Nasional got 30.