Dr M: Proposing no-confidence motion the right of an MP

PUTRAJAYA: The tabling of a no-confidence motion against a sitting prime minister in Parliament is the right of every elected lawmaker, says former premier and Langkawi MP Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“To move a motion of no confidence is the right of every MP, irrespective of whether he thinks he is going to win or lose.

“But, in this case, we felt that when we expose the wrongdoing of the government, although some may say we don’t have the majority, we expect that some good sense will prevail among MPs.

“So, they will back the motion that is meant to save this country from someone who is not doing good for the country, ” he told reporters.

Dr Mahathir was responding to a question on whether he possesses an adequate majority to back his no-confidence motion against Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin during a press conference held at the Perdana Leadership Foundation after the one-day May 18 Parliamentary sitting Monday (May 18).

Present was Parti Amanah Negara president Mohamad Sabu, DAP secretary-general and Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

However, PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and its MPs, were notably absent during the press conference.

At the same time, Dr Mahathir said this is the first time in Malaysia's history where the government of the day has a very slim majority.

“If two or three MPs switch parties, then this government will collapse. That is why we believe that if we can expose this government, maybe some MPs from the ruling party will support us.”

Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir took the opportunity to criticise the one-day Parliament sitting, saying that it will be the end of democracy in Malaysia if MPs are not allowed to speak in the Dewan Rakyat.

“We cannot accept this excuse that the sitting was restricted to two hours due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Even in Sabah, their state assembly sitting was held for three days.

“The air in KL must be filled with Covid-19 and that is why they are afraid. If we speak, then the virus may enter our mouth. We can call this Parliament a 'mute building' because we are not allowed to speak and that will spell the end of democracy, ” he added.

Dr Mahathir also said that based on his observation on the May 18 sitting, he found that Parliamentary staff had done a splendid job in ensuring that Covid-19 preventative measures and social distancing rules are being enforced among MPs.

“They checked our temperatures, made us wash our hands twice and sat us further from each other, at least one metre away.”

“I don’t think the pandemic would be an issue if the Parliament allowed us to debate until evening or night time.”

The Dewan Rakyat sitting has been adjourned until the next sitting in July.

The May 18 sitting was the first held under the Perikatan Nasional government, which was formed in March following the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government.

source : thestar