Social activist: Anwar must establish vote of confidence to convince PN

A veteran social activist has lauded the newly appointed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s move to have his majority proven in Parliament.

In a statement, P. Ramakrishnan said the move was important to respect the right of democracy.

“In a move to convince Perikatan Nasional (PN), Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister, had announced that when Parliament convenes this Dec 19, the first item would be seeking a vote of confidence to prove support and legitimacy.

“This is the correct move. It is applauded by all Malaysians who respect the style and substance of parliamentary democracy,” he said.

Ramakrishnan, who is a former president of Penang-based civil society group Aliran, also pointed out that the vote of confidence would put to rest any doubt people may have on the legitimacy of the new government.

“At the moment, the majority that Anwar supposedly enjoys as stated by him is just a claim – it has not been established as a fact.

“There are doubters, especially the PN and its supporters, who think that this is an empty boast. The PN chairperson had claimed to have the support of 115 MPs. If true, that leaves 107 MPs for Anwar! Not even a simple majority,” he noted.

He also said that only by tabling the motion for the vote can confirm Sabah and Sarawak members of parliament’s stance.

“Anwar’s claim of reaching the two-third majority may sound hollow to PN, especially because the parties from Sabah and Sarawak, after dithering at first and leaning towards PN later under pressure, decided to join the unity government after it was formed without them.

“This is why the 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,” he said.

Adding on, he said once the support is endorsed in the Parliament the new unity government will be able to take necessary measures in dealing post Covid-19 economy recovery.

“After this support is established, Anwar’s position will not only be legitimised, but will also be strengthened beyond question. He will be free to do whatever is necessary to rescue this nation from the throes of the economy to the ravages of poverty, as well as from the dangers of disunity and from the threatened break-up of the nation.

“We are confident that Anwar will serve the nation with verve, dedication and devotion for the good of the country that was woefully lacking in some of the past leaders,” said the social activist.